Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026

Kick Off: 3pm ET / 8pm BST

Referee: Slavko Vinčić – Slovenia

This is it. Thirty nine days. Forty eight countries. One hundred and four games. Only two teams are left. 

Spain vs Argentina. One team wins the World Cup on Sunday. The other goes home. Simple as that.

How Spain Got Here

Spain did not make any noise at this World Cup. They just kept winning. Game after game. Quietly and calmly.

They beat Austria 3 – 0. Then beat Portugal 1 – 0 and sent Ronaldo home. Also beating Belgium 2 – 1. 

And in the semi finals they beat France 2 – 0 without even breaking a sweat. Spain have only conceded one goal in seven games at this tournament. 

Just one. That tells you everything about how hard they are to beat.

How Argentina Got Here

Argentina’s story has been the complete opposite of Spain. Every single game went to the last minute. Every game nearly went wrong. And every time Argentina found a way to survive.

They came from 2-0 down against Egypt with 11 minutes left and won 3-2. They needed extra time to beat Switzerland. 

And against England in the semi finals they were losing with five minutes left before Messi set up two late goals to win 2-1. 

Argentina have scored 19 goals in seven games. The most of any team at this World Cup.

The Story Nobody Will Forget

Years ago a little baby sat in the arms of a young Lionel Messi for a charity photo. That baby was Lamine Yamal. Now that baby, who is 19 years old, faces Messi in a World Cup final on Sunday. Football really does write the most beautiful stories.

Players to Watch

Lionel Messi — Argentina

Messi is 39 years old and this is almost certainly his last World Cup final. He has eight goals and four assists at this tournament. 

Every time Argentina were in trouble Messi saved them. Scored against Egypt when they were 2-0 down. Then set up both late goals against England. 

He is the reason Argentina are in this final and Sunday is his last chance to win a second World Cup trophy.

Lamine Yamal — Spain

19 years old. First World Cup final. Already one of the best players at this entire tournament. Fast, creative, brave, and brilliant in the biggest moments. 

He scored against France in the semi finals and has been amazing in every game Spain played. 

He is the future of football and on Sunday he faces the greatest player who ever lived.

Rodri — Spain

Rodri is the player who makes Spain work. He sits in midfield, wins the ball, keeps it moving, and never lets Spain lose control. When Rodri plays well Spain are almost impossible to beat.

Lautaro Martinez — Argentina

Martinez scored the winning goal against England in the semi finals. He runs constantly, fights for every ball, and scores when it matters most. 

Spain’s defenders will have to watch him every second he is on the pitch.

Key Numbers to look at

Where you can Watch

USA: Fox Sports — Telemundo and Peacock in Spanish

UK: ITV1 and ITVX — free to watch

Argentina: TyC Sports

Spain: RTVE and Mediaset España

Everywhere else: Check local listings

What is Our Predictions

Spain are the better team present at this World Cup. Their defence has been awesome and their football has been the best of any team in the tournament so far. The numbers give them a 59.46% chance of winning on tomorrow.

But Argentina has Messi. And Messi does not care about numbers. He has already saved Argentina 4 times when they were about to go home. This is his last World Cup final. Nobody in the world is more motivated than him currently.

Spain to win is our logical pick. But never count Messi out.

• Spain to win 
• Both teams to score — Yes 
• Over 2.5 goals 
• Lamine Yamal to score or assist 
• Lionel Messi to score at any time

Suresttips — Your Most Trusted Football Prediction Platform
FIFA World Cup 2026 — The Final