FIFA World Cup: Spain vs Argentina – What to know ahead of the final

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that Argentina and Spain will meet on Sunday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, temporarily branded for the tournament as New York-New Jersey Stadium. The match closes a 39-day World Cup and features defending champions Argentina against a Spain side seeking its second world title. The fixture is also framed by a generational contrast between 39-year-old Lionel Messi and 19-year-old Lamine Yamal.

The final brings together two teams with sharply different tournament profiles. According to Al Jazeera, Argentina enter with the competition’s highest goal total at 19, while Spain have allowed only one goal. Opta’s model gives Spain a 59.46 percent chance of winning, compared with 40.54 percent for Argentina to retain the trophy they won in 2022. It is also the first World Cup final in 60 years between the reigning champions of South America and Europe.

Key players include Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal, who has five goals, and midfielder Rodri, credited with 648 completed passes in the tournament. Yamal has returned from injury and remains a threat on the right. For Argentina, Messi leads with eight goals and four assists, with Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez also contributing in attack.

The teams have split their previous meetings evenly, with six wins each and two draws in 16 matches, Al Jazeera reported. Their only World Cup meeting came in 1966, when Argentina beat Spain 2-1 in the group stage. If Sunday’s final is tied after regulation, it will go to extra time and then penalties if needed.