The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its grand conclusion at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain and Argentina battle for football’s biggest prize in a historic final.

For the first time ever, the reigning European champions will face the current Copa América holders in a World Cup final, with both nations aiming to add another chapter to their illustrious footballing histories.

Spain Chasing History

Spain have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, conceding just one goal and never falling behind in any match. Their impressive defensive record has seen them become the first nation to keep six clean sheets at a single FIFA World Cup.

Luis de la Fuente’s side confirmed their place in the final with a composed 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals. Although their campaign began with a surprising goalless draw against Cape Verde, Spain have since won six consecutive matches, defeating Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France in a formidable knockout run.

La Roja are now unbeaten in 37 matches in regulation time (27 wins, 10 draws). Victory in New Jersey would not only secure the World Cup but also establish the longest unbeaten run ever recorded by a European nation. It would also give Spain their sixth triumph in seven major international finals.

Argentina Eye Consecutive World Cups

Argentina have once again shown remarkable resilience throughout the tournament. Lionel Scaloni’s side came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in the semi-finals, booking their place in a seventh World Cup final, with only Germany having reached more.

Their route to the final has been anything but straightforward. Argentina have either required extra time or staged a comeback after the 75th minute in each of their four knockout victories. Nevertheless, they arrive in the final on a run of 14 consecutive victories, equalling the longest winning streak by a South American nation.

The Albiceleste are aiming to become only the second country in history to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup. However, history is not entirely on their side, as each of the last three defending champions to reach a World Cup final has failed to retain the trophy.

Head-to-Head

The rivalry between these two footballing giants is perfectly balanced, with six victories each and two draws from their previous meetings.

Argentina won the only previous World Cup encounter between the sides, prevailing 2-1 in 1966. However, Spain have enjoyed the upper hand in more recent meetings, winning three of the last four clashes this century, including an emphatic 6-1 friendly victory in 2018.

Key Statistics

• The half-time result has matched the full-time result in 15 of Spain’s last 17 matches.
• Three of Spain’s last four games have featured a goal after the 85th minute.
• Argentina have scored eight goals after the 85th minute during this tournament – a new FIFA World Cup record.
• Twelve of Argentina’s last 13 matches have featured goals in both halves.

Players to Watch

Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal continued his excellent tournament by opening the scoring against France, taking his tally to five goals. Four of those strikes have come between the 20th and 40th minute, while he also memorably scored the winning goal in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph.

Argentina’s Lautaro Martínez has made a major impact from the bench, contributing to a goal in each of his last three substitute appearances. Having also scored the decisive goal in the 2024 Copa América final, he is now on the verge of becoming the first player in World Cup history to score or assist in four consecutive substitute appearances.

Team News

Both managers have a fully fit squad available, with no significant injury concerns reported ahead of the final.

Prediction

While Argentina’s remarkable fighting spirit has carried them through several dramatic knockout encounters, Spain have looked the more complete side throughout the tournament. Their defensive organisation, consistency and control in possession make them slight favourites to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, although a closely contested final between two world-class teams is expected.