Argentina vs Spain 2026 World Cup Final: Spain Win 1–0 AET

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is on Sunday, July 19, 2026, kicking off at 3pm ET (12pm PT / 8pm BST / 9pm CEST). It is played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (branded New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament), the largest venue of the 2026 World Cup at roughly 82,500 capacity. Sources: FIFA, Fox Sports.

Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semi-final on July 15 in Atlanta: Anthony Gordon put England ahead (55'), then Enzo Fernández (85') and Lautaro Martínez (90'+2') struck late, both set up by Lionel Messi. Spain beat France 2-0 the day before in Dallas (Oyarzabal penalty 22', Porro 58'). Both teams reached the final unbeaten across the tournament. Sources: FIFA, ESPN.

No. This is the first World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, and the first time the two nations decide a major senior title against each other. They are the two most recent world champions, Argentina in 2022 and Spain in 2010, which makes the 2026 final a meeting of the last two winners. Sources: FIFA, ESPN.

Spain won 1–0 after extra time on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute (Nico Williams assist). Enzo Fernández was sent off for Argentina in the 90th minute; Argentina recorded zero shots on target in 120 minutes. Emiliano Martínez made 10 saves. It is Spain's second World Cup title (after 2010). Sources: FIFA, ESPN, CBS Sports.

Yes, the final on July 19 is widely considered Lionel Messi's last World Cup match. At 38, he holds the men's all-time record of 22 career World Cup goals (8 in 2026). Despite winning in 2022, Argentina lost this final 1-0 to Spain, ending his 2026 campaign. Messi has not formally announced international retirement. Sources: FIFA, ESPN.

The final is billed as a generational meeting: Lionel Messi at 38, likely playing his last World Cup, against Lamine Yamal at 17, the Barcelona forward many see as Spanish football's next great number 10. Yamal, who came through Barcelona like Messi, has spoken about wanting to face Messi in the final. It is the first time the two have met on the World Cup stage. Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN.

No. Spain beat Argentina 1–0 AET on July 19, ending Argentina's bid for back-to-back titles. A win would have made Argentina the first nation to win consecutive men's World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Instead, Argentina's fourth-title bid was denied. Sources: FIFA, ESPN.

Yes. Spain beat Argentina 1–0 after extra time on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, their second World Cup title after 2010. They became the first team to hold the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously (the Spanish women won in 2023). Spain were unbeaten throughout the tournament (seven wins from seven). Sources: FIFA.

In the USA the final is on Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish), with streaming on the Fox and Telemundo apps. In the UK it is free-to-air on BBC or ITV (BBC iPlayer / ITVX). In France it is on TF1 or M6, in Germany on ARD or ZDF, and in Spain on RTVE, with streaming options alongside each. Kick-off is 3pm ET on July 19. Source: FIFA rights-holders.

The 2026 final features the first-ever World Cup halftime show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, with Madonna, Shakira and BTS among the headline performers. Modelled on the Super Bowl halftime tradition, it is a first for FIFA and precedes the trophy presentation and closing ceremony. Sources: FIFA, Reuters.

Spain won 1-0 AET. The game was goalless after 90 minutes and went to extra time. In the 90th minute, Enzo Fernández (Argentina) received a second yellow card for fouling Pau Cubarsí, reducing Argentina to ten men. In the 106th minute, substitute Ferran Torres latched onto a Nico Williams assist and scored the only goal. Argentina had zero shots on target across the entire 120 minutes. Emiliano Martínez made 10 saves. Sources: FIFA, ESPN, CBS Sports.