After 39 days of competition, the World Cup is coming to an end.
The World Cup 2026 final is today, July 19. Argentina is set to defend their 2022 title against the currently European champions, Spain, and the match for the greatest prize in international soccer will also feature the first on-pitch meeting between legendary Argentinian Lionel Messi and Spanish rising star Lamine Yamal.
Spain is hoping to win their second World Cup title, 16 years after their first. Their path to this year’s final has included Portugal, Belgium and tournament favorite France. Along the way, they’ve only conceded one goal in seven matches.
It’s likely that today’s game, where Argentina hopes to win their fourth overall World Cup title, could be Messi’s last on a World Cup pitch, however he hasn’t confirmed or denied that this World Cup would be his last.
Argentina survived multiple scares in the knockouts with all of their match-clinching goals coming late in the second half, or even in extra time. The most recent win was a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals.
Spain vs. Argentina: what to know
- What: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
- When: July 19, 3 p.m. ET
- Where: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
- Channel: FOX (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
- Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
About 90 minutes before kickoff, a closing ceremony designed to celebrate all 48 countries will take place. It will feature performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, with a special appearance from Tom Cruise.
Jennifer Hudson will sing the American national anthem ahead of the match, and a first-ever World Cup halftime show will take place during halftime with talent from around the world (see performers and more below).
Here’s everything you need to know about Spain vs. Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
Spain vs. Argentina start time
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET.
How to watch Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final for free
If you don’t have cable or an antenna, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the World Cup final for free.
DIRECTV is our favorite service for watching sports live for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes FOX, FS1 and Telemundo as part of its 125+ channels.
Who is performing at the World Cup halftime show?
Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS and Shakira will headline the 11-minute World Cup halftime show.
Additionally, Burna Boy will appear with The PS 22 Chorus, a group of 85 public school children, and Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel. Chris Martin of Coldplay curated the halftime show, so it’s likely he will make an appearance.
More coverage on the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Spain World Cup results
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| Cape Verde (World Cup – Group H) | 0-0 draw |
| Saudi Arabia (World Cup – Group H) | Spain 4, Saudi Arabia 0 |
| Uruguay (World Cup – Group H) | Spain 1, Uruguay 0 |
| Austria (World Cup – Round of 32) | Spain 3, Austria 0 |
| Portugal (World Cup – Round of 16) | Spain 1, Portugal 0 |
| Belgium (World Cup – Quarterfinal) | Spain 2, Belgium 1 |
| France (World Cup – Semifinal) | Spain 2, France 0 |
Argentina World Cup results
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| Algeria (World Cup – Group J) | Argentina 3, Algeria 0 |
| Austria (World Cup – Group J) | Argentina 2, Austria 0 |
| Jordan (World Cup – Group J) | Argentina 3, Jordan 1 |
| Cape Verde (World Cup – Round of 32) | Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2 |
| Egypt (World Cup – Round of 16) | Argentina 3, Egypt 2 |
| Switzerland (World Cup – Quarterfinal) | Argentina 3, Switzerland 1 |
| England (World Cup – Semifinal) | Argentina 2, England 1 |
Spain World Cup roster
Goalkeepers:
- David Raya
- Joan García
- Unai Simón
Defenders:
- Marc Pubill
- Alejandro Grimaldo
- Eric García
- Pedro Porro
- Aymeric Laporte
- Pau Cubarsí
- Marc Cucurella
Midfielders:
- Marcos Llorente
- Mikel Merino
- Fabián Ruiz
- Gavi
- Dani Olmo
- Yéremy Pino
- Álex Baena
- Rodri (captain)
- Martín Zubimendi
- Pedri
Forwards:
- Ferran Torres
- Nico Williams
- Lamine Yamal
- Mikey Oyarzabal
- Víctor Muñoz
- Borja Iglesias
Argentina World Cup roster
Goalkeepers:
- Juan Musso
- Gerónimo Rulli
- Emiliano Martínez
Defenders:
- Nicolás Tagliafico
- Gonzalo Montiel
- Lisandro Martínez
- Cristian Romero
- Nicolás Otamendi
- Facundo Medina
- Nahuel Molina
Midfielders:
- Lenandro Parades
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Valentín Barco
- Giovani Lo Celso
- Exequiel Palacios
- Thiago Almada
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Enzo Fernández
Forwards:
- Julián Álvarez
- Lionel Messi (captain)
- Nico González
- Giuliano Simeone
- Nico Paz
- José Manuel López
- Lautaro Martínez
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
