Rob UsryUSA TODAY
July 19, 2026, 5:08 a.m. ET
It’s the final day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After 39 days of incredible soccer, it comes down to Spain vs. Argentina to decide the champion. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is the stage for this crowning moment in the sport’s history. Either Lionel Messi and Argentina will become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1962 or Spain will lift the trophy for the second time in its history.
All times Eastern and accurate as of Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:23 p.m.
Final: Spain vs Argentina
Time/TV: 3:00 PM ET on Fox at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Why watch: Four years ago we witnessed possibly the greatest World Cup final ever with Argentina outlasting France on penalties after an incredible, back-and-forth 120 minutes. While this final will have a hard time living up to that, there’s certainly potential for it to entertain the masses in similar fashion. We have two distinct and contrasting styles clashing. Argentina’s passion and resiliency meeting the composed and methodical approach of Spain. If we’ve learned anything from this tournament, it’s that you don’t want to miss a knockout round match that the reigning champions are involved in. Every match they’ve been a part of after the group stage has been utter cinema.
Why it could disappoint: Unfortunately for us observers, not every final is as enthralling and captivating as the one in Qatar was. Often on the big occasion, both teams play tentatively and it leads to a slow pace without a ton of action until the later stages. There’s also the factor of the uncertain conditions in New Jersey. The weather is forecast to be fair, but the lingering smoke from the wildfires in Canada could play a role. Between that potential deterrent and the pressure of playing in a match of this magnitude, the end result could easily not live up to the massive hype.
World Cup matchup odds
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