Argentina and Spain are set to clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with both teams aiming to make history on football’s biggest stage.
Defending champions Argentina are seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive FIFA World Cup titles. Spain, meanwhile, are hoping to lift the trophy for only the second time after their historic triumph in 2010.
More than 80,000 spectators are expected to attend the final of the largest World Cup ever held, which has been jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Wildfire smoke under close watch
Ahead of the final, tournament organisers said they were closely monitoring air quality due to smoke drifting from wildfires in Canada.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup Task Force, said FIFA was working with the US National Weather Service to assess conditions and ensure player and spectator safety.
Despite the concerns, organisers have not indicated that the match schedule will be affected.
World leaders to attend the final
The final is expected to draw several high-profile guests, including US President Donald Trump, who will attend his first and only match of the tournament.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is also expected to be present after accepting an invitation from the US president.
A day before the final, Trump described the FIFA World Cup as one of the most successful sporting events in history during a reception with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York.
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Spain prepare for physical contest
Spain captain Rodri believes the final will be a much tougher and more physical contest than previous matches in the tournament.
The Manchester City midfielder said Spain are prepared to adapt to different styles of play, whether defending, counter-attacking or controlling possession.
When asked about Argentina’s reputation for playing aggressively and attempting to provoke opponents, Rodri replied that such tactics are simply part of football and insisted his team would remain focused on the game.
Scaloni praises Messi’s legacy
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni urged football fans to appreciate the opportunity to watch Lionel Messi play in another World Cup final at the age of 39.
Scaloni described Messi as a football legend who has already secured his place in history after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
A victory on Sunday would see Argentina successfully defend their title and further strengthen Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players the sport has ever produced.
Third-place playoff also in focus
Before the final, England and France are set to meet in the third-place playoff after both sides were eliminated in the semi-finals.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his team’s defeat to Argentina was deeply painful, saying the players must learn to live with the disappointment.
France coach Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, confirmed the match would be his final World Cup game in charge of Les Bleus. The veteran coach said he would cherish the memories of his 15-year tenure, despite France falling short of their goal of winning a third World Cup after losing 2-0 to Spain in the semi-finals.
