The 2026 men's FIFA World Cup concludes this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain and Argentina will compete for the title. After a 39-day tournament that saw 48 nations participate, these two teams remain to contest the championship. Spain is aiming for its second World Cup victory, while Argentina seeks to secure back-to-back titles.
Spain enters the final with significant momentum, riding a 37-game unbeaten streak in regulation time, which matches the all-time world record held by Italy. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, who took over following the team's 2022 exit in Qatar, the squad has undergone a transition. De la Fuente has integrated younger talent, including 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi and 21-year-old Dean Huijsen, some of whom he worked with during his tenure with the U-19 and U-21 squads. Breakout star Lamine Yamal, who helped lead Spain to the 2024 Euro title, is among the 16 players on the current roster who also played in the Euro tournament. Yamal expressed high expectations for the team's performance, noting that the country is excited for the opportunity to win the trophy.
The Spanish defense has been particularly formidable, conceding only one goal in seven matches—a 2-1 quarterfinal win against Belgium—while goalkeeper Unai Simón maintained a record 650-minute scoreless streak. Additionally, 29-year-old Mikel Oyarzabal has netted five goals since the start of the tournament, matching David Villa’s record for the most goals by a Spaniard in a single World Cup. Oyarzabal and Yamal have been highly active, with 22 and 23 attempts on goal, respectively.
Historically, Spain’s only World Cup title came on July 11, 2010, in Johannesburg, South Africa, when they defeated the Netherlands 1-0. Spain holds the distinction of being one of only two teams to lose its opening match and still win the tournament, and it remains the first European nation to win a World Cup held outside of Europe. The current lineup represents a passing of the torch from legends like Gerard Piqué, Sergio Ramos, and Iker Casillas to this new generation.
Standing in their way is Argentina, the defending champions looking to become the first team to win consecutive titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. The only other nation to achieve this feat was Italy in 1934 and 1938. Led by Lionel Messi, the team is playing for its fourth title overall, following a 36-year drought that ended with their 2022 victory in Qatar. Messi, who has appeared in six World Cups, holds the record for the most tournament appearances with 32 matches and is the all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history with 21 goals. He entered this final with eight goals in the current tournament, while Kylian Mbappé of France leads with 10.
Argentina’s roster, managed by Lionel Scaloni, features a mix of veterans and fresh talent, including Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. It was Martinez who headed in a goal on a pass from Messi in the semifinal to secure a stoppage-time win against England. Midfielder Enzo Fernández has also proven instrumental, having scored a masterful equalizer in that same semifinal. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, the reigning Golden Glove winner and a two-time Best FIFA Goalkeeper recipient, remains a key figure for the team, known for his intimidating presence and distraction tactics.
Paul Tenorio of The Athletic noted that Argentina’s identity is intrinsically linked to Messi, with players performing as the heartbeat of the squad. As Spain’s tactical discipline and unbeaten run face off against Argentina’s championship experience, the final at MetLife Stadium promises a significant conclusion to the largest FIFA World Cup in history.
