Spain and Argentina to clash in 2026 World Cup final at New Jersey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, pitting Spain against defending champions Argentina. Spain, led by coach Luis de la Fuente and teenage star Lamine Yamal, seek a second world title after their 2010 win, while Argentina, coached by Lionel Scaloni and anchored by Lionel Messi, aim to retain the trophy. Both squads have arrived with strong defensive records; Spain has conceded only one goal in the tournament, and Argentina boasts the highest scoring record. FIFA will award €44 million to the champions, of which roughly 45 % will go to the players (about €865 000 each), while the runners‑up will share around €507 000 per player. Nutritionist Mauro Minelli has outlined a strict pre‑match diet for both teams, banning red‑meat dishes such as Argentine asado and Spanish paella. Political leaders including Spain’s Pedro Sánchez and US figures are expected in the stadium, and media talk ranges from line‑up predictions to the historic photograph linking Messi and Yamal as a baby. The match is billed as the “clash of the year” with global viewership expected.