Spain vs Argentina Live: World Cup 2026 Final Score, Lineups & Updates
Match Preview: Spain vs Argentina, FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Football's biggest prize comes down to one match. Defending champions Argentina face reigning European champions Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, 19 July 2026, with kickoff at 3:00 PM ET.
Argentina reached the final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the semifinal, with Lionel Messi setting up late goals for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez. A win would give Lionel Messi and Argentina a fourth World Cup title and make them the first side to defend the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
Spain arrive off the back of a commanding 2-0 semifinal win over France and are chasing a second World Cup crown after their 2010 triumph. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been central to Spain's run, setting up a generational individual duel with Messi in the final.
Spain and Argentina have met only once before at a World Cup, in the 1966 group stage, when Argentina won 2-1. Sunday's final will be their first-ever World Cup meeting at the knockout stage — and the biggest game either nation has played in years.
Match Timeline
Starting XI & Substitutes
Official lineups are confirmed close to kickoff. Below is CS Sports' predicted XI based on each side's semifinal selection — this section will be updated with the confirmed teamsheets as soon as they are released.
Spain — Likely XI
- GK — Unai Simón
- RB — Dani Carvajal
- CB — Aymeric Laporte
- CB — Robin Le Normand
- LB — Marc Cucurella
- CM — Rodri
- CM — Pedri
- CM — Fabián Ruiz
- RW — Lamine Yamal
- ST — Álvaro Morata
- LW — Nico Williams
Argentina — Likely XI
- GK — Emiliano Martínez
- RB — Nahuel Molina
- CB — Cristian Romero
- CB — Lisandro Martínez
- LB — Nicolás Tagliafico
- CM — Rodrigo De Paul
- CM — Enzo Fernández
- CM — Alexis Mac Allister
- RW — Lionel Messi
- ST — Lautaro Martínez
- LW — Julián Álvarez
Substitute lists and any late fitness changes will be added here once each federation confirms its official teamsheet.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Spain and Argentina have crossed paths only once on football's biggest stage — but the rivalry between two of the game's greatest attacking sides now writes a new chapter in the final.
| 1 | World Cup meetings | 1 |
| 1966 Group Stage | Only previous meeting | Argentina won 2-1 |
| 2010 | Last World Cup title | Won |
| 2022 | Last World Cup title | — |
| Runner-up | Path to final | Won semifinal 2-1 vs England |
| Won semifinal 2-0 vs France | Path to final | — |
Match Prediction
CS Sports' take: This final pits Spain's fluid, possession-heavy attack — built around Pedri, Rodri and teenage star Lamine Yamal — against an Argentina side that leans on experience, defensive organisation and Messi's ability to conjure moments out of nothing. Expect a tight, tactical opening with the game likely decided by a set piece or individual moment of brilliance rather than an open, end-to-end contest. It's a genuine coin-flip on paper, with Argentina's big-game pedigree offset by Spain's superior form throughout the tournament.
This is an editorial preview, not a betting recommendation. Lineups, form and fitness news can shift the picture right up to kickoff.
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Follow the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final between Spain and Argentina live. Coverage begins with pre-match build-up ahead of the 3:00 PM ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Spain vs Argentina World Cup 2026 Final?
The final is on Sunday, 19 July 2026, kicking off at 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT) at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Have Spain and Argentina met before at a World Cup?
Yes, only once — in the 1966 group stage, when Argentina won 2-1. Sunday's final is their first-ever World Cup knockout meeting.
How did Spain and Argentina reach the final?
Spain beat France 2-0 in the semifinal, while Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1, with Lionel Messi setting up both late goals.
Where can I follow live score updates for the final?
CS Sports will publish live score updates, commentary and match stats on this page throughout the game.
Who are the key players to watch?
Lionel Messi for Argentina and Lamine Yamal for Spain headline a final built around two of the tournament's most influential attacking talents.
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