After 103 matches across three countries, the World Cup final is here as Argentina seek to defend their crown against Spain. The tournament, which delivered thrills, drama and scandal in almost equal measure, reaches its conclusion tonight in New Jersey with its two finest sides left standing.
Spain's dominant run
Spain have been at their dominant best, conceding only one goal in their eight games to date. They neutralised and picked off competition favourites France to reach this stage. The defending European champions have shown exceptional defensive solidity and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.
Argentina's dramatic path
Argentina's journey to the final has been equally compelling. England's 60 years of World Cup woe continued as Lionel Messi inspired the 2022 champions to the most dramatic of victories earlier this week. The reigning Copa America kings have shown resilience and star quality to reach the final.
The match pits the Champions of Europe against the Champions of South America and the defending Champions of the World. According to the match preview, this is the 23rd World Cup final in history.
Match details and build-up
Metro's LIVE matchday blog is providing all the build-up, confirmed team news, starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage. The blog opened at 6:01 pm on July 19, 2026, with the message: "Well, after 38 days, 103 matches and 307 goals, the World Cup final is upon us. Spain or Argentina will be crowned World Champions by the close of play this evening."
Exclusive World Cup final buildup is available via Metro's free daily newsletter. The match also features related coverage including FIFA selling World Cup Champions Rings and bits of pitch for eyewatering prices, Arsene Wenger dropping hints on the future of FIFA's World Cup hydration breaks, and Gary Neville saying an Arsenal star was a 'massive problem' for England at the World Cup.
