Argentina and Spain set for 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey

Defending champion Argentina will face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

Argentina secured its place with a 2-1 semifinal victory over England in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July. England went ahead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed the winner in second-half stoppage time.

The result kept Argentina in contention to retain the title it won in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Scaloni’s side is seeking the country’s fourth men’s World Cup crown. A victory would also make Argentina the first team to win consecutive editions since Brazil retained the trophy in 1962.

Spain reached the final one day earlier by beating France 2-0 in its semifinal on Tuesday, 14 July. The European champion is pursuing a second World Cup title, having won the competition for the first time in 2010.

FIFA lists the final for Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match will close the first 48-team men’s World Cup, a tournament staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States and comprising 104 matches.

The finalists have taken contrasting statistical routes to the title match. According to Associated Press reporting published after the semifinals, Argentina has scored a tournament-leading 19 goals, while Spain has conceded only once. Argentina has won all seven of its matches; Spain enters with six victories and one draw.

Argentina’s path through the knockout rounds included victories over Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland and England. Spain advanced by defeating Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France after finishing the group stage with two wins and a draw.

The final will also bring together the reigning South American and European champions. Argentina entered the tournament ranked first by FIFA and Spain second, according to the Associated Press.

Spain will attempt to complete an unbeaten campaign, while Argentina will seek to extend a World Cup unbeaten run that began after its opening defeat by Saudi Arabia at the 2022 tournament. The winner will succeed Argentina as world champion—or confirm the holders for another four-year cycle.