The 2026 World Cup final is set to showcase a clash between Spain and Argentina this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain aims to secure its second World Cup title, having previously won in 2010. On the other hand, Argentina is hoping to add a fourth title, following their victory in 2022.
Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to watch the 2026 World Cup final.
Advertisement
What time does the Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final start? How to watch?
The match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET (4 p.m. in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and 8 p.m. in Madrid, Spain).
TV: Fox, FS1, Telemundo, Universo
Streaming: Fox One, Peacock
How did Spain and Argentina reach the World Cup final?
Argentina topped Group J with a flawless 3-0-0 record, defeating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan to qualify for the knockout stage for the sixth consecutive World Cup. As reigning champions, Argentina faced some challenges in the knockout rounds, requiring extra time to defeat debutants Cape Verde and achieving a dramatic late comeback against Egypt, before stunning England in the semifinals with two late goals.
Advertisement
Lionel Messi has been a standout performer, scoring in each of Argentina’s first five matches and leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals, edging out Kylian Mbappé, who has four assists.
On the other hand, Spain started the tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde before securing victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, leading them to win Group H. Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón maintained a clean sheet throughout the knockout stages as they bid goodbye to Austria and Portugal, and just managed to get past Belgium with a late goal from Mikel Merino to reach the semifinals.
They secured a place in the final after a commanding 2-0 victory over France.
Shakira stands alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the World Cup final. The Colombian icon is set to perform during the game’s extended halftime show.
(Eva Marie Uzcategui – FIFA via Getty Images)
Who is performing at the World Cup final halftime show?
This year marks the first-ever halftime show during a FIFA World Cup final.
Advertisement
Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS are set to co-headline the halftime performance. Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay will also participate in what FIFA has described as an initially planned “11-minute broadcast.”
However, FIFA is reportedly aiming for the halftime show to last around 20 minutes, which goes against International Football Association Board regulations that stipulate a halftime break should not exceed 15 minutes unless authorized by the referee.
Viewers can expect a significantly longer halftime than usual.
Who is performing at the World Cup final closing ceremony?
Unlike the Olympics, the World Cup closing ceremony will not signify the tournament’s end; it resembles more of a pre-game show for the final.
Advertisement
Post Malone will take the stage approximately 90 minutes prior to the kickoff of Argentina vs. Spain, delivering a performance destined to “unite music, culture, and football on the world’s biggest stage,” as described by FIFA.
The closing ceremony will also feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, with an appearance from movie star Tom Cruise.
Finally, Jennifer Hudson will conclude the ceremony with a rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino share the stage at Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy presentation last summer. The two will jointly present the World Cup trophy to the victor of Sunday’s match.
(Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Why President Trump will be involved in the World Cup trophy presentation
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with the U.S. leader in the years leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Last December, Trump received the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the tournament’s draw, following his appearance at Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy presentation.
Advertisement
Trump will prominently feature during the trophy presentation on Sunday, assisting Infantino in crowning the winning captain.
While it’s common for leaders to participate in trophy presentations, it generally allows the winning team to celebrate their success on stage.
Trump has previously involved himself in World Cup matters, such as requesting a review of a controversial red card issued to Folarin Balogun during a recent match, which led to the suspension being overturned.
Who will host the 2030 World Cup?
The upcoming 2030 World Cup will also mark the centennial anniversary of the inaugural tournament, which took place in Uruguay in 1930, featuring 13 teams, with the host nation clinching the title (the U.S. finished third).
Advertisement
The 2030 tournament will primarily be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, but will include three matches held in South America to commemorate the centenary. The opening games will take place at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay, along with Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Estadio Osvaldo Domínguez Dibb in Asunción, Paraguay.
Lisbon and Porto will be among the host cities in Portugal, while Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, Agadir, Fez, and Tangier will represent Morocco. In Spain, matches will be held in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Zaragoza, Las Palmas, and Valencia.
As with all host countries, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Portugal, and Spain will automatically qualify for the tournament.