Argentina and Spain are set to meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday in a historic showdown that pits the reigning world champions and Copa América winners against the current European champions.

The title decider at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will mark the first time the holders of the World Cup and Copa América face the reigning UEFA European Championship winners in a World Cup final. The match is expected to feature a compelling battle between Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Spain midfielder Rodri, two of football’s most influential figures.

Argentina are aiming to retain the World Cup, a feat not achieved since Brazil successfully defended the title in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Victory would also secure a fourth World Cup crown for La Albiceleste and see Messi appear in his third World Cup final, matching a record previously achieved only by Brazilian great Cafu.

Spain, meanwhile, are seeking their second World Cup title, 16 years after lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish side has impressed with disciplined defending and controlled possession throughout the tournament.

The two finalists have taken contrasting routes to the championship match. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semi-finals through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro, extending their reputation as one of the tournament’s most organised teams.

Argentina’s path was far more dramatic. Lionel Scaloni’s side trailed England until the closing stages of their semi-final before Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martínez then scored the winner deep into stoppage time after a decisive assist from Messi.

Statistics also highlight the difference in styles between the finalists. Argentina enter the match as the tournament’s highest-scoring team with 19 goals, while Spain boast the strongest defensive record after conceding only one goal throughout the competition.

Spain have received a fitness boost despite concerns over teenage star Lamine Yamal, who missed part of training after suffering a knock in the semi-final against France. Reports suggest the injury is not considered serious, and the Barcelona winger is expected to be available for the final.

De la Fuente is expected to retain the lineup that guided Spain into the final, with Unai Simón in goal, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz controlling midfield, and Oyarzabal leading the attack alongside Dani Olmo, Álex Baena and Yamal.

Scaloni is also likely to stick with his trusted core, featuring goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, while Messi is expected to partner Julián Álvarez in attack.

FIFA has appointed experienced Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to officiate the final. The 46-year-old previously handled the 2024 UEFA Champions League final and has overseen three matches during this World Cup.

With two of international football’s most successful teams meeting on the sport’s biggest stage, Sunday’s final promises to deliver a memorable finish to the 2026 tournament as Argentina chase history and Spain bid to reclaim the world title.

Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday after substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to send Luis de la Fuente’s side into the FIFA World Cup semifinals, where they will face France in Dallas on Tuesday.

The European champions appeared destined for extra time before Merino capitalised on a goalkeeping error in the closing minutes to keep Spain’s title hopes alive.

Spain started brightly and took control of possession from the opening stages. Their pressure paid off in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved an initial effort. The midfielder calmly slotted the rebound into the net to give Spain a deserved lead.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal remained a constant threat down the right wing, creating problems for Belgium’s defence with his pace and dribbling. Shortly after the opening goal, he cut inside and narrowly missed the target with a curling effort.

Belgium gradually settled into the contest and found an equaliser 11 minutes later. Defender Timothy Castagne delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Charles De Ketelaere rose above the defence to head past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón. It was the first goal Spain had conceded during the tournament and ensured the teams entered halftime level at 1-1.

Seeking to regain momentum, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente introduced Pedri and Ferran Torres early in the second half. The substitutions added fresh energy, but Belgium defended well and prevented Spain from creating clear scoring opportunities for much of the period.

The match took another turn in the 71st minute when Courtois was forced off through injury. Backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced the Real Madrid star as Belgium looked to push the game toward extra time.

Spain eventually found the breakthrough with only minutes remaining. Pau Cubarsí struck a low shot from outside the penalty area that Lammens failed to gather cleanly. The loose ball fell perfectly for Merino, who reacted quickly to fire home from close range and restore Spain’s lead in the 88th minute.

Belgium was unable to respond during the closing stages as Spain held on to secure a place in the last four.

The victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal against Didier Deschamps’ France, one of the tournament’s strongest performers. The winner will advance to the World Cup final, where either England, Norway, Argentina or Switzerland will be waiting.

England are scheduled to face Norway in Miami, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina will meet Switzerland in Kansas City to complete the semifinal lineup.

Spain will now attempt to move one step closer to winning their second World Cup title after their historic triumph in 2010.