The 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude on Sunday as Spain take on defending champions Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
According to a report by Vanguard on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the tournament’s two standout teams will compete for football’s biggest prize after impressive runs to the final.
Spain became the first side to book their place in the final with a disciplined 2-0 victory over France in Dallas. Argentina followed 24 hours later, defeating England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final to move within one win of retaining the World Cup title.
The final will also mark the first senior international meeting between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal.
The matchup carries added significance because of a well-known photograph taken during a UNICEF charity calendar shoot organised by Diario Sport, in which Messi was pictured holding and bathing Yamal as a baby. The image resurfaced during Euro 2024 after Yamal’s father shared it on social media and has since become one of football’s most iconic photographs.
Spain have enjoyed a dominant tournament. After opening with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, La Roja won six consecutive matches, defeating Austria 3-0 in the round of 32, Portugal 1-0 in the round of 16, Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, and France 2-0 in the semi-finals.
Spain have also impressed defensively, conceding just one goal throughout the tournament.
Argentina’s path to the final has been more demanding. Lionel Scaloni’s side advanced from the group stage with victories over Algeria, Austria, and Jordan before enduring a series of hard-fought knockout matches.
The reigning champions required extra time to eliminate Cape Verde in the round of 32, Egypt in the round of 16, and Switzerland in the quarter-finals before defeating England 2-1 in the semi-finals.
The victory over England secured Argentina a second consecutive World Cup final appearance and kept alive their bid to successfully defend football’s most prestigious title.
