On Sunday, July 19, Spain and Argentina will face off in the final of the 2026 World Cup to determine the next champion. Spain could win its second title in history, while Lionel Messi's Argentina could defend the trophy and claim its fourth World Cup overall, reports UNN.
Match
In the 104th match of the 2026 World Cup, European champions Spain will face reigning world and South American champions Argentina. The 23rd World Cup final in history will take place at MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, near New York City. The opening whistle will sound at 22:00 Kyiv time.
MetLife Stadium
The referee for the match will be 46-year-old Slovenian Slavko Vinčić. He will be assisted on the lines by his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič. Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the reserve referee, and his assistant will be Mohammad Al-Kalaf.
Vinčić, upon learning that he would officiate the final match, could not hold back his tears.
At the 2026 World Cup, the Slovenian referee has already officiated the group stage matches Brazil – Morocco (1:1) and Jordan – Algeria (1:2), as well as the Round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador (2:0), in which he showed a red card to Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié.
Road to the Final
Spain started this World Cup in Group H, where they sensationally drew 0-0 with Cape Verde, and then won their next two matches.
In the Round of 32, Spain beat Austria (3:0), in the Round of 16 they defeated Portugal (1:0), in the quarterfinals the Spaniards narrowly beat Belgium (2:1), and in the semifinals they confidently beat France 2-0.
Argentina won all three group matches, in the Round of 32 narrowly beat Cape Verde (3:2), in the Round of 16 Argentina staged a comeback against Egypt (3:2) after trailing 2-0, in the quarterfinals they beat Switzerland in extra time 3-1, and in the semifinals they snatched a victory against England in the final seconds - 2:1.
History of Head-to-Head Encounters
The teams have met 14 times, and only once at a World Cup, in 1966. That was the first group stage match for both teams, and La Albiceleste won 2-1 in a match where all goals were scored in the second half. The key player for Argentina was center forward Luis Artime, who scored both of their goals, sandwiching a goal by midfielder Pirri for Spain.
This is the only official match between the two teams, who have played 13 friendly matches against each other over the years (six wins for Spain, five for Argentina, two draws). Their last friendly match took place in 2018 in Madrid, where Spain thrashed Argentina 6-1. As champions of their respective continents, they were scheduled to meet in the Finalissima in Qatar in February of this year, but that match was canceled.
Finalissima moved from Qatar to Spain, Argentina protests12.03.26, 17:03
Before the Match
Before the match, fans can expect a grand closing show for the World Cup. American rapper Post Malone will headline the World Cup closing ceremony, delivering a landmark performance to set the tone for the final. The spectacular closing ceremony will begin 90 minutes before kickoff.
The star-studded show will also feature Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and iShowSpeed, as well as a special appearance by Tom Cruise, bringing together some of the world's biggest names in music and entertainment for an unforgettable celebration ahead of the start.
Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson will perform a special rendition of the US national anthem before the final.
Additionally, fans can expect a grand show during the halftime break between the first and second halves, which will last 17 minutes. Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, Gustavo Dudamel, and BTS will be co-headliners of the 2026 World Cup final halftime show, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Trump to attend the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina16.07.26, 23:02
Where to watch and who are the favorites
The match in Ukraine can be watched on the MEGOGO media service, which will broadcast live from the USA on the "Megogo Sport" channel. It is available on cable networks and in the T2 digital broadcast.
The broadcast will also take place on "Megogo Football First", where the show will be accompanied by a traditional analytical studio.
Bookmakers see the Spanish national team as the favorite in this match, giving odds of 2.4 for their victory in regular time. For Argentina's victory - 3.33.
Winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive gold rings17.07.26, 23:10