Spain vs Argentina LIVE: 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Team News, Score, Lineups and Match Updates

The stage is set for a historic conclusion to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Spain and Argentina face off in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The blockbuster encounter marks the first time the reigning European champions will meet the reigning Copa América champions in a World Cup final.

Spain enter the championship match in outstanding form after an impressive run through the tournament. La Roja have conceded just one goal and are yet to trail at any point during the competition, becoming the first team in World Cup history to record six clean sheets in a single tournament.

Their disciplined defence and ruthless attack were on full display in Tuesday’s 2-0 semi-final victory over France. Although Spain were held to a surprise goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening group match, they have responded with six consecutive victories, eliminating Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France on their way to the final.

Victory over Argentina would see Spain extend their unbeaten run to 38 matches in regulation time, surpassing the longest unbeaten streak ever recorded by a European national team. It would also hand them a sixth major international title from their last seven finals.

Argentina, meanwhile, have once again showcased their resilience on the world’s biggest stage. The defending champions came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final, booking their place in a seventh World Cup final. Only Germany, with eight appearances, have reached more World Cup finals than La Albiceleste.

Argentina’s journey to the final has been anything but straightforward. The South Americans have either required extra time or produced dramatic comebacks after the 75th minute in each of their four knockout-stage matches. Their never-say-die attitude has helped them extend their winning streak to 14 matches, equalling the longest run by a South American nation.

Now appearing in their third World Cup final in four tournaments, Argentina are aiming to become only the second nation in history to win consecutive FIFA World Cup titles. However, history presents an obstacle, as each of the last three defending champions to reach the World Cup final ended up losing the title match.

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The head-to-head record between the two footballing giants is perfectly balanced, with six victories each and two draws. Argentina won their only previous World Cup meeting 2-1 in 1966, while Spain claimed a dominant 6-1 victory in their most recent encounter during an international friendly in 2018. Spain have also won three of the four meetings between the two nations this century.

Several trends suggest fans could be in for an entertaining contest. The half-time result has been replicated at full-time in 15 of Spain’s last 17 matches, while three of their last four games featured goals scored after the 85th minute.

Argentina have made a habit of producing late drama, scoring a World Cup-record eight goals from the 85th minute onwards during the tournament. Additionally, 12 of their last 13 matches have featured goals in both halves.

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal will be one of the key players to watch after opening the scoring against France to take his tally to five goals in the tournament. Four of those strikes came between the 20th and 40th minute, while his knack for delivering decisive goals was highlighted during Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.

For Argentina, Lautaro Martínez has become a game-changing substitute, contributing either a goal or an assist in each of his last three appearances from the bench. He also scored the winning goal in the 2024 Copa América final against Colombia and could make World Cup history by becoming the first player to record a goal contribution in four consecutive substitute appearances.

Both teams have reported no major injury concerns ahead of the final, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated World Cup finals in recent history.

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