World Cup Final Preview: Spain and Argentina Collide for Football's Greatest Prize

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax tonight as Spain and Argentina meet at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kick-off set for 9pm Zambia time before a capacity crowd of 82,500.

The stage was set last night in Miami, where England claimed third place with a 6-4 victory over France in a breathless ten-goal thriller, a fitting appetiser for the main event to come.

Tonight's final pits the reigning champions against the world's most in-form side. Argentina, led once more by the talismanic Lionel Messi, are chasing back-to-back titles and a fourth star. Messi has been imperious throughout, breaking Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record along the way, and will be desperate to sign off his final campaign with more glory. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, whose late strikes sank England in the semi-finals, provide the cutting edge alongside him.

Standing in their way is a Spanish side that has quietly become the tournament's most complete team. La Roja dispatched France 2-0 in their semi-final and have swept aside Portugal and Belgium en route. Mikel Merino has emerged as an unlikely hero, as Spain seek a second world crown to follow their 2010 triumph.

The contrast is tantalising: Argentina's flair and big-game pedigree against Spain's relentless passing rhythm. With Madonna, Shakira and BTS headlining the half-time show, the stage is set for a spectacle.