Quick Summary
Spain vs Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Final 2026 kicks off at 8pm BST / 3pm ET on Sunday, July 19 from the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. La Roja are the reigning European champions, while Lionel Messi's Albiceleste seek to defend their world crown. It's huge.
It's not hard to see how Spain have reached their second World Cup final, and first since La Roja won their sole title in 2010. Luis de la Fuente's side have conceded just once in seven tournament games – to Belgium in the quarter-finals – and were at their calm, controlled best to swarm France in submission in the last four.
Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele barely got a kick as full-backs Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella impressed both defensively and in providing width going forward. The sole disappointment has been Lamine Yamal's form, but with a World Cup final ahead of the fit-again 19-year-old, you wouldn't bet against the sinuous Barcelona forward from coming good when it matters most.
Another one-time Barça prodigy is responsible for Argentina reaching a fourth major tournament final in a row. Messi has eight goals and four assists, proof were it still needed that the 39-year-old's instincts remain as sharp as ever. The Flea delivered two assists to sink England late on in the semis in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory and, in a team built to get the best from their captain, has learned to conserve energy for when it matters most.
They are, though, vulnerable. Lionel Scaloni's side have trailed late on in three of their four knockout games, and barely snuck past Cape Verde in the other, with a singular refusal to be beaten their primary strength. No side has defended their world crown since Brazil in 1962. Now, Argentina are just 90 minutes from doing that and Messi from settling the GOAT argument for good.
Spain vs Argentina promises to be a World Cup final to remember, so make sure you tune in from wherever you are in the world.
When and where is Spain vs Argentina taking place?
The 2026 World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina is taking place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.
Kick-off is 3pm ET, local time. That's 12pm PT and 8pm BST in the UK. In Australia, it's 5am AEST on Monday, July 20.
How to watch Spain vs Argentina for free
Free World Cup Final 2026 coverage is available in multiple places, but here are some key options to note in the UK, Australia and Ireland.
- UK: BBC iPlayer & ITVX
- Australia: SBS on Demand
- Ireland: RTÉ Player
How to watch Spain vs Argentina in the UK
In the UK, Spain vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final is free-to-air on both BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
How to watch Spain vs Argentina in the US
In the US, Spain vs Argentina in the World Cup is being televised by Fox.
How to watch Spain vs Argentina from anywhere
What is the Spain vs Argentina head-to-head record?
This will be the 15th meeting between Spain and Argentina. Both sides have won six of the previous fixtures, with two draws.
The teams haven't faced each other since a March 2018 friendly that Spain won 6-1.
There has only been one previous encounter in World Cup history between the sides, in the 1966 group stage. Argentina prevailed 2-1 at Villa Park thanks to a brace from Luis Artime.
What are the Spain vs Argentina routes to the final?
Spain
Group H – Cape Verde 0-0
Group H – Saudi Arabia 4-0
Group H – Uruguay 1-0
Last 32 – Austria 3-0
Last 16 – Portugal 1-0
Quarter-final – Belgium 2-1
Semi-final – France 2-0
Argentina
Group J – Algeria 3-0
Group J – Austria 2-0
Group J – Jordan 3-1
Last 32 – Cape Verde 3-2 (aet)
Last 16 – Egypt 3-2
Quarter-final – Switzerland 3-1 (aet)
Semi-final – England 2-1