The most-watched match of the biggest sporting event on the globe kicks off at 3 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final pits the tournament’s greatest scorer of all time against its leading goalkeeper so far. It’s also a chess match between two tactical masterminds on the sidelines.
Argentine captain Lionel Messi led his side to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. The 39-year-old striker’s accomplishments at the international and club level are far beyond any other player in history, and, with eight goals and four assists so far, he’s on the cusp of finally hoisting the only major award that’s eluded him: the Golden Boot.
Of the Atomic Flea’s supporting cast, 17 are also reigning champions from four years ago and key players in the top professional teams in Europe.
Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón has been somewhat of a surprise. Ahead of this tournament, he wasn’t considered his nation’s best goalkeeper. His La Liga Club team, Athletic Club, finished mid-table this past season, while the squad’s other two keepers won their respective leagues with Barcelona and Arsenal (England).
Simón has only conceded one goal in seven matches thus far. Still, the stellar back line in front of him shares the credit, limiting opponents to a few shots.
Here’s what to know about the 23rd World Cup title match at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How They Got Here
Both teams, consistently ranked in the top five in FIFA’s World rankings, had no trouble beating other nations in qualifying on their respective continents and subsequently drew favorable group-stage matchups.
Spain got off to a slow start in group play with a scoreless draw against overachieving underdog Cape Verde. La Roja rallied in its second match, crushing Saudi Arabia 4–0 and beating the formidable Uruguay 1–0.
In the knockout stages, Spain surged past Austria 3–0 before beating main rival Portugal 1–0, Belgium 2–1, and the heavily favored France 2–0.
“I’m always surprised of what this team manages to do,” Spain Coach Luis de la Fuente said during the semifinal post-match press conference.
“It was all planned for us to reach this key moment in the best shape possible,” he added.
Argentina, in group play, beat Algeria 3–0 with a Messi hat-trick, Austria 2–0, and Jordan 3–1. It suffered in the knockout stages, however, needing extra time to beat Cape Verde and Switzerland. The squad pulled off a near-miraculous and controversial comeback against Egypt and stole the semi-final win against old foe England with a goal in the 92nd minute.
“I think this team plays best when it’s in difficulty, honestly, and when the opponent hesitates a little bit there,” Argentina Coach Lionel Scaloni said during the semifinal post-match press conference. “That’s when we see blood, and we go and go as far as it takes.”
