Everything can wait! The 2026 FIFA World Cup will draw to a close with the Final, which pits Spain against Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July. La Roja put up a brilliant showing to take down France in their semifinal, while La Albiceleste were typically gritty and dramatic in their triumph over old rivals England. Here’s the breakdown as Spain and Argentina face off for football’s ultimate prize.
Head-to-head
Matches played 14
Spain wins 6
Argentina wins 6
Draws 2
Spain goals 19
Argentina goals 18
Spain and Argentina have met in 14 matches, with both La Roja and La Albiceleste claiming six wins, while two games have been drawn. The teams’ last meeting was a friendly in 2018 which Spain won 6-1, while their only previous World Cup clash was in the group stage in 1966, which Argentina won 2-1.
Players to watch
Spain – Rodri
Tournament stats
– Appearances: 7
– Goals: 0
– Assists: 0
– Yellow/red cards: 0/0
While the likes of Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal have had a lot of the spotlight on them, Rodri has become more and more influential as the tournament has progressed, and he was the conductor for Spain in their victory over France, controlling the midfield with a blend of elegance, intelligence and physicality when required.
If he can replicate that kind of performance in the Final, then Spain will be well set to become two-time World Cup winners.
Argentina – Lionel Messi
Tournament stats
– Appearances: 7
– Goals: 8
– Assists: 4
– Yellow/red cards: 0/0
Already a World Cup winner and regarded as one of the all-time greats, Messi will further entrench himself as a football legend if Argentina can win their fourth World Cup title – and his second as captain of the team. With 12 goal involvements (8 goals, 4 assists) at this tournament, the 39-year-old has remained fundamental to La Albiceleste’s success.
Key stats
1 – Spain have conceded just one goal in seven matches at this World Cup, keeping an amazing six clean sheets. 239 – Spain have had more touches in the opposition box (239) than any other team in the tournament. 12 – Lionel Messi has had 12 goal involvements (eight goals, four assist) in this tournament – the most of any player. 690 – Emiliano Martinez has played the most minutes (690) of any player at the 2026 World Cup.
Tactical battle
The World Cup final pits two contrasting ideologies. Luis de la Fuente’s Spain will dominate possession, using structured pressing and midfield control through Rodri and Fabián Ruiz to suffocate space and dictate tempo. Their fluid, collective system prioritises control and defensive security, conceding very little all-tournament. Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina, by contrast, thrive on adaptability: compact without the ball, but explosive in transition, with Lionel Messi orchestrating and set-pieces a major weapon. Scaloni’s flexibility and in-game tweaks could disrupt Spain’s rhythm, making this a chess match between control and calculated chaos.
Broadcast details
Times CAT
Sunday 19 July
21:00: Final – Spain v Argentina – LIVE on SuperSport World Cup Central.
