Footballing giants Argentina and Spain will clash in a blockbuster World Cup final tonight, as Lionel Messi graces this stage for perhaps the final time.
All-time great Messi, 39, will look to lead Argentina to a second straight World Cup trophy and the nation’s fourth overall, after triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
But they face formidable foes in the reigning European champions: Spain, who are seeking their second-ever world championship, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010. And La Roja have 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal in their ranks, a winger who can change any game in an instant.
To get to tonight’s showpiece game in New York, Spain downed France with a clinical 2-0 win in the semi-finals, while Argentina broke English hearts by coming from behind for a late 2-1 victory.
Follow live updates from the World Cup final, below:
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Spain v Argentina LIVE
- Spain play Argentina in blockbuster World Cup final | Kick-off 8pm BST, live on BBC and ITV
- Lionel Messi aims to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cups and nation’s fourth title overall
- European champions Spain seek second title ever, having lifted famous trophy in 2010
- Messi, 39, key for Argentina while Lamine Yamal, 19, could decide game for Spain
- New York New Jersey Stadium hosts match, the first-ever Spain v Argentina final at a World Cup
In pics: Argentina come back in dramatic semi-final win over England
16:40 , Chris Wilson
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic event
16:26 , Chris WilsonMidfielders
Rodri (Spain) - The Spain captain has marshalled a magnificent defence, which has conceded only one goal in seven matches and is his team’s figurehead, both in possession and in leadership. Should he lift the World Cup trophy on Sunday, could a second Ballon d’Or be in the offing for the Manchester City midfielder?
Enzo Fernandez (Argentina) - After his breakthrough moment in Qatar 2022, Fernandez’s penchant for big moments has remained. The Chelsea midfielder headed home a brilliant winner to complete Argentina’s comeback win against Egypt and scored the equaliser from range against England. Is there one more big moment left on Sunday?
Jude Bellingham (England) - From his wonderful solo effort against Croatia, you knew Bellingham had arrived at the World Cup party. Six goals to his name include two brilliant match-winning braces against Mexico and Norway, with his terrific run and finish against the Norwegians the best of the bunch. Perhaps his only blemish was that he had no such opportunities in the devastating semi-final loss against Argentina.
In pics: Spain overcome France in semi-final
16:10 , Chris Wilson
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic event
15:54 , Chris WilsonGoalkeeper
Vozinha (Cape Verde) - If you needed any proof that the World Cup can change lives, even for smaller nations and their players, then Cape Verde’s goalkeeper is that proof. The 40-year-old kept a clean sheet against Spain on Cape Verde’s World Cup debut and he then gained 17 million followers on Instagram after an international campaign. He then made eight saves in his side’s unbelievable last-32 extra-time loss to Argentina. What a star.
Defenders
Pedro Porro (Spain) - Since nailing a starting berth in the knockout phase, the Tottenham defender has been simply outstanding. He scored his first international goal against Austria and finished off the “team goal” of the tournament in the semi-final win over France. His partnership with Lamine Yamal on the right has proved Spain’s shining attacking light.
Dayot Upamecano (France) - A key figure for France at the back and particularly impressive in the last-32 win over Sweden and their strong-looking forward line. Strong, quick and accurate in his passing, Upamecano played a huge role in France's knockout clean sheets against Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco.
Aymeric Laporte (Spain) - Forming an outstanding partnership with Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi, Laporte has been so composed on the ball and near-impossible to get past off the ball. Has conceded just one goal and has made countless defensive interventions to preserve La Roja’s excellent record.
Marc Cucurella (Spain) - What happens to this guy when he plays for his country compared to his club?! Often so lacking in composure and effectiveness for Chelsea this season, Cucurella is the polar opposite for Spain, with his marauding runs down the left and defensive solidity.
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI from historic event
15:42 , Chris WilsonThe 2026 World Cup is at its final furlong. After all the build-up and a thrilling five weeks of the very highest sporting drama, there are now just two matches left.
Spain and Argentina contest the final in New Jersey on Sunday, with both having come through their semi-finals against France and England respectively.
European champions Spain were ultra-impressive in dismantling France and stopping their attacking firepower, while Lionel Messi’s Argentina side again launched a stunning comeback, scoring twice in eight minutes to beat a distraught England 2-1 on Wednesday, as they eye a second consecutive triumph on the world stage.
As for France and England, they face each other in tonight’s bronze final - the match nobody wants to play in. But having reflected on the past 102 games, we’ve decided on our best players, fitted into a 4-3-3 formation.
Here is the Independent’s World Cup team of the tournament.
World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The Independent’s best XI
When is the World Cup final?
15:22 , Chris WilsonThe final will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July at 8pm (BST), 3pm (ET).
The match will be shown live in the UK on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, ITV1 and ITVX.
When is the World Cup final? Kick-off time for Spain v Argentina in 2026 Fifa showpiece
15:12 , Chris WilsonDefending champions Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.
2010 champions Spain booked their spot in the decider after beating France in the first of two epic semi-finals in Dallas on Tuesday evening.
Then, Lionel Messi’s Argentina produced a stunning late comeback from behind to defeat England in Atlanta and keep their dream of back-to-back titles alive.
The World Cup has not been defended since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, while Argentina v Spain is also a first-time World Cup final.
What time does World Cup final start? Spain v Argentina kick-off details
Argentina boss unsure about Lionel Messi’s future ahead of World Cup final: ‘He doesn’t stop surprising us’
14:54 , Chris WilsonLionel Scaloni admitted he does not have a clue if the World Cup final will be Lionel Messi’s last game for Argentina.
The 39-year-old will win his 207th cap when Argentina face Spain at the MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday.
Messi, who is in his sixth World Cup and is aiming to win a second as captain, has not revealed if he intends to carry on playing for his country.
Argentina boss admits he is unsure about Messi’s future ahead of World Cup final
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Mbappe leads Messi with one game left in dramatic race
14:36 , Chris WilsonThe race for the golden boot at the World Cup is heading for a thrilling climax featuring some of the best players in the world.
The superstars have lived up their hype at this tournament, none more so than France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina hero Lionel Messi. Both have gone tit for tat since the very first outing, each storming past poor Miroslav Klose’s all-time goalscoring record to enter the semi-finals with eight goals apiece. Mbappe’s double in the so-called bronze final took him ahead of Messi, who will have the chance to answer as he faces Spain in the showpiece decider.
But in a twist an already enthralling race, team success may prove a detriment to Messi’s hopes. He is the only real contender for the accolade in the final and faces a tough challenge of breaching Spain’s rock-solid defence, which has only conceded once this tournament. If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio, which would favour Mbappe over Messi provided the Argentina captain plays the full final, if it got that far.
World Cup Golden Boot standings and tie-breaker rules as Mbappe leads Messi
Spain train ahead of final
14:20 , Chris WilsonSpain had their final training session cancelled, though La Roja still had plenty of time to prepare ahead of this evening...
Two golden generations may be colliding as Spain face Argentina in World Cup final
13:59 , Chris WilsonThe World Cup final hardly needs to be hyped up to attract interest, but even for a match of this magnitude there are a surprising number of storylines.
From the race for the Ballon d’Or to the battle between the managers, the spectacle of the differing styles of play or the scarcely believable backstory between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, Sunday’s final is one that promises to live long in the memory.
And as with any final on the world’s biggest stage, it will also define legacies and careers. For 39-year-old Lionel Messi, despite everything he’s achieved, this is a match that will be looked back on in every debate, every summary of his great career. It is the same for 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, no matter what he might go on to achieve.
Two golden generations may be colliding as Spain face Argentina in World Cup final
England finally play like World Cup winners as 10-goal epic with France reveals what might have been
13:43 , Richard JollyA report from England’s final game of the tournament as the Three Lions secured third spot with a dramatic win over France...
When England played like World Cup winners, it was after the World Cup had already been lost. In a confusing, chaotic game, instead of going for gold, they brought home bronze. For 45 minutes, England played like worldbeaters; for 45, like a team who could be beaten from 4-0 up. By the end, Bukayo Saka had become just the fourth Englishman to score a World Cup hat-trick, joining Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham had made them the first team ever to score six goals against France in this competition. But a result that would have been celebrated euphorically in another context should come with a sense of regret: given that they have only performed fitfully, where was this England against Argentina? Or even against Norway, DR Congo, Panama and Ghana?
England at last play like World Cup winners as epic reveals what might have been
England player ratings for entire World Cup: Wasted inclusion gets 2/10 but one star fetches 9/10
13:33 , Alex PattleA ‘what could have been’ tournament brought England semi-final heartbreak versus Argentina, then a thrilling win over France for bronze medals.
Here’s how every single England player rated, in our view, throughout the World Cup.
England World Cup player ratings: Wasted inclusion gets 2/10 but one star hits 9/10
Who is performing at the half-time show?
13:23 , Chris WilsonThe 11-minute Super Bowl-style show will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira and K-pop boy band BTS.
Justin Bieber was added to the bill, while Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay also involved, and Chris Martin has curated the show.
The closing ceremony starts at 18:30 BST (1:30pm ET), with the show including Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed. And Jennifer Hudson is to sing the United States' national anthem.
World Cup final half-time show: Who is performing, how long will it take and how can I watch it?
13:10 , Chris WilsonFifa President Gianni Infantino has modernised the World Cup with influence from its co-hosts United States and the way some of its biggest sporting events operate, including the Super Bowl in the NFL.
This will mean a half-time show appealing to more forms of culture and new fans.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Fifa World Cup 2026 final half-time show:
Who is performing at World Cup final half-time show and how long will it take?
England players land back in Birmingham after World Cup venture
12:58 , Alex PattleBREAKING: Watch the moment England's team plane lands in Birmingham
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 19, 2026
Live updates: https://t.co/3FWsPZhBxN
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/lxBiF7LEvN
Argentina train ahead of final
12:50 , Chris Wilson
Spain and Argentina’s World Cup final training plans disrupted by thunderstorms
12:37 , Chris WilsonSpain's last training session before Sunday's World Cup final was cancelled due to thunderstorms in the New York City area.
FIFA confirmed the schedule changeup Saturday and said that there would not be another time slot for the team to train.
Argentina's training session, scheduled for 11:30 am local time (1530 GMT), started 45 minutes later than scheduled in Morristown, New Jersey.
Spain’s final World Cup training session canceled over bad weather in NYC
What TV channel is the World Cup final on? How to watch Spain v Argentina in the UK
12:19 , Chris WilsonThe end of the 2026 World Cup is nigh, with Sunday’s final unmissable.
Every single game from the competition has been available to watch on free-to-air TV for UK viewers., with the BBC and ITV sharing coverage right through to the decider.
The time difference has provided a challenge for European audiences, with some games kicking off in the early hours – though their were kinder start times for the semi-finals, and it will be the same for the final.
Here’s how you can watch the final game of the 2026 World Cup:
What TV channel is the World Cup final on?
The unseen Argentina gesture inspiring Emi Martinez
11:59 , Richard JollyIt took an injury to set Emiliano Martinez on the path from being a perennial deputy to a World Cup winner. Another imperilled his chances of becoming the first goalkeeper since Gilmar in 1962 to start two World Cup final wins.
Martinez’s career seemed first to stall, then to accelerate at dizzying speed. Approaching his 28th birthday, he had played fewer than 100 senior games and had four different loan spells in the Championship. When Bernd Leno was injured against Brighton, however, he was propelled into the Arsenal team. A month later, he had won the FA Cup.
Two months after that, he joined Aston Villa. The following summer came his Argentina debut. A month later, they won the Copa America for the first time in 28 years. The following year, they won the World Cup for the first time in 36.
Martinez, the man borrowed by Oxford, Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham, Wolves, Getafe and Reading, became a pillar of the most successful team ever. Until his latest trophy came with a dose of pain. Martinez broke a finger in the warm-up before Aston Villa’s Europa League final defeat of Freiburg.
The unseen Argentina gesture inspiring Emi Martinez to World Cup history
Lionel Messi gets the plaudits but Spain have the real player of the tournament
11:44 , Richard JollyTo quote Rio Ferdinand, “Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or! Ballon d’Or!”.
Although Ferdinand’s most infamously unilluminating piece of punditry was actually about Vinicius Junior, who didn’t win the Ballon d’Or, as Rodri instead did.
Two years and one cruciate ligament injury later, Rodri’s return to the level that made him the Ballon d’Or winner with a difference could be crowned with a new status: World Cup-winning captain. If not him, it will, once again, be Lionel Messi.
And if the Spaniard will have part of the responsibility for shutting down the Argentine, their duel in New York can seem part of a wider clash of philosophies.
Lionel Messi gets the plaudits but Spain have the real player of the tournament
Are Argentina a dirty team? The true meaning behind a controversial strategy
11:29 , Miguel DelaneyThe emotions were clearly even higher than normal. In the aftermath of one of Argentina’s knock-out round epics, a particular high-profile coach could barely contain his fury.
He was adamant that he would now be willing any of the defending champions’ opposition to win, such was the disgust at Argentina’s antics.
And no, it wasn’t anyone connected to England, following their almost unbelievable collapse in Atlanta, despite everyone – and especially those in Argentina – seeing the many media items about all of the unpunished fouls in that quarter-final.
With Lionel Scaloni’s side, though, the fouls are only one thing during this engrossing World Cup.
Such hardness is even seen as among the more “honest” offences. What infuriates opposition more is all the gamesmanship, the interventions like Enzo Fernandez going into the back of Elliot Anderson and, of course, the goading celebrations.
Are Argentina a dirty team? Dissecting their World Cup strategy
The Argentina formula that can defy logic to beat Spain in World Cup final
11:14 , Miguel DelaneyAhead of a day imbued with more meaning than any other in football, to the extent the stakes can seize lesser players, there is a distinctive serenity about the two teams left.
As Spanish captain Rodri said to his teammates, “Your will to win has to be greater than the fear of losing.” Argentina feel the same.
Part of that comes from performance, and how both sides got to this final. Spain’s route saw the European champions ascend to new peaks against France. Argentina came from behind against England with a Lionel Messi-inspired late show.
Both of the victories infusing these two great sides with even more assurance, but in different ways.
The Argentina formula that can defy logic to beat Spain in World Cup final
Messi’s emotional message on eve of World Cup final
11:06 , Alex Pattle“The best part of all these years wasn’t just the titles, but the entire journey,” said Messi on Instagram yesterday.
“Sharing every day with this group, competing together, getting back up in tough times, and enjoying every step.
“Thank you to each of my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone who works every day to keep this national team a family.
“Whatever happens tomorrow, this group has already written a story we’ll never forget and that no one can erase.
“LET’S GO, ARGENTINA.”
Spain v Argentina LIVE: World Cup final build-up
11:00 , Alex PattleFootballing giants Argentina and Spain will clash in a blockbuster World Cup final tonight, as Lionel Messi graces this stage for perhaps the final time.
All-time great Messi, 39, will look to lead Argentina to a second straight World Cup trophy and the nation’s fourth overall, after triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
But they face formidable foes in the reigning European champions: Spain, who are seeking their second-ever world championship, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010. And La Roja have 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal in their ranks, a winger who can change any game in an instant.
To get to tonight’s showpiece game in New York, Spain downed France with a clinical 2-0 win in the semi-finals, while Argentina broke English hearts by coming from behind for a late 2-1 victory.
Follow live updates from the World Cup final, right here.
