Spain and Argentina will face off in the World Cup final this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time). Spain enters the match aiming for its second world title and to end a 16-year drought, while Argentina seeks its fourth title overall and a second consecutive championship.
Path to the Final: Spain’s Tactical Dominance
Spain earned its spot in the title match after a decisive 2-0 victory over France in the semifinals. According to reports from the match, Spain maintained control throughout the 90 minutes, with goals coming from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. A key trend for the Spanish squad has been their defensive efficiency; manager Luis de la Fuente’s side has conceded only a single goal throughout the entire tournament.
Did you know?
Spain is entering the final with a defensive record that is arguably the best in the tournament, having allowed only one goal against their opponents leading up to the final.
The confirmed starting lineup for Spain includes Unai Simón in goal, supported by a defensive line of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Laporte, and Cucurella. The midfield features Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Dani Olmo, while the attacking trio consists of Lamine Yamal, Álex Baena, and Oyarzabal.
Argentina’s Resilience and Tactical Adjustments
Argentina’s journey to the final was marked by a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England. Despite falling behind early to an Antony Gordon goal, the team rallied with an equalizer from Enzo Fernández and a stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martínez. Argentina enters the final with a 100% win record in the competition.
Manager Lionel Scaloni has opted for significant lineup changes for the final, benching Molina, Paredes, and Simeone. The starting XI features Dibu Martínez; Montiel, Cuti Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Tagliafico. The midfield and attack will be led by Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Nico González, Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Lionel Messi.
Follow the match in real-time via CNN Esportes for live tactical updates and play-by-play analysis as the game progresses.
How to Watch the World Cup Final
Fans have multiple ways to follow the action live on Sunday. The match will be broadcast on television via Globo, Sportv, NSports, and SBT. For those preferring digital platforms, streaming options include CazéTV on YouTube and ge tv via Globoplay. Real-time coverage will be provided by CNN Esportes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the World Cup final being played?
The match takes place at MetLife Stadium, located in the New York/New Jersey area of the United States.
What time does the Spain vs. Argentina final start?
The match kicks off at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) this Sunday.
Has Argentina won the World Cup before?
Yes, Argentina is looking for its fourth world title and is currently defending the championship it won in the previous edition.
How can I watch the final online?
Streaming is available through CazéTV on YouTube and the ge tv platform on Globoplay.
Who do you think will lift the trophy this Sunday? Share your predictions in the comments below, or subscribe to our sports newsletter for post-match analysis and highlights.
Update (July 20, 2026)
According to bbc.co.uk, Argentina's Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Spain's Pau Cubarsí. Post-match, Argentina's Nahuel Paredes clashed with Spain players, including Rodri, Gavi, and Borja Iglesias, while teammate Nahuel Molina was seen throwing a punch at a Spain player. BBC pundit Wayne Rooney called the behavior "embarrassing," and former goalkeeper Joe Hart labeled it "disgusting."
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni defended his team's performance but acknowledged Spain's victory, stating, "They deserved the victory, that is the reality." Fernández's dismissal and post-match incidents overshadowed Argentina's near-extra-time effort, with Scaloni lamenting, "We managed to go all the way to the end when the match was so open."
Update (July 20, 2026)
According to aljazeera.com, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final following a goal by Ferran Torres in extra time. The victory sparked celebrations across Spain, with fans chanting "Campeones!" in the streets. In Castelldefels, a town with a significant Argentinian population, fans from both nations watched the match together on giant screens.
The report highlights the enduring local connection to Lionel Messi, who still owns a luxury property in the town's Bellamar neighborhood. While political tensions regarding the Falkland Islands and other international issues have surrounded the tournament, residents in Castelldefels focused on the match. Local resident Gio Gonzalez, an Argentina fan, noted it was a tough game, while his wife Gema Gonzalez expressed that Spain played as the better side and deserved the win.
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