Spain face Argentina in historic World Cup final in New York
Spain will meet Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, a historic clash that offers Europe’s reigning champions the chance to claim a second global title for the continent.
Spain and Argentina will contest the 2026 World Cup final in New York on Sunday 19 July. The 9pm Madrid time kick-off marks the first time the reigning European champions face the reigning Copa América and world champions.
Spain secured their place with a 2-0 semi-final victory over France, scoring through a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty and a Pedro Porro strike. La Roja have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament. Argentina advanced via a 2-1 win over England, with Enzo Fernández equalising in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez scoring in stoppage time after a Lionel Messi pass.
For European public life, the match represents a major moment of continental pride. A Spanish victory would secure a second title 16 years after their 2010 triumph in South Africa, this time anchored by Rodri dictating tempo from midfield. An Argentine win would make them the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in the 1950s, while Messi would play in his third final, a feat previously achieved only by Cafu.
Luis de la Fuente is expected to keep faith with the lineup that brought Spain to the final. Unai Simón starts in goal behind a back four of Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz will anchor the midfield, behind an attack of Dani Olmo, Álex Baena, Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal. The only concern is Yamal, who missed the last training session with a bandage on his left thigh.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has his side almost settled. Dibu Martínez starts in goal, with a defence of Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico. The midfield features Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, supporting Messi and Julián Álvarez upfront.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will take charge of the match, assisted by compatriots Tomaz Klancnik and Andrz Kovacic, with Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh as fourth official. The 46-year-old brings over 16 seasons of top-level European experience, having refereed the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. His appointment carries mixed memories: he oversaw Argentina’s 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup, and for Spaniards, the sending off of Eduardo Camavinga for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich.
