The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is drawing to a close after weeks of intense competition. Tonight, Spain and Argentina will clash in the final at New York’s MetLife Stadium (9 PM local time, 3 AM CET), with the destiny of the trophy hanging in the balance. The Argentine team, current champions, aims to secure back-to-back titles—a feat only achieved twice before in World Cup history.

France concluded its campaign with a dramatic fourth-place finish after losing 4-6 to England in the third-place playoff. The match, played in Miami, was a rollercoaster: France trailed 0-4 at halftime but fought back to 4-4, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice. However, England sealed the victory with a late goal. Despite the loss, Didier Deschamps leaves his post with an impressive record—120 wins, 35 draws, and 30 losses over 14 years at the helm.

Mbappé’s brace brought his World Cup tally to 10 goals, making him the tournament’s top scorer and the all-time World Cup leader with 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record. France’s campaign ends with a fourth-place finish, following a final appearance in 2022 and victory in 2018.

Tonight’s final pits Argentina, with Messi leading the charge, against Spain, who boasts the tournament’s stingiest defense—just one goal conceded in seven matches. The Spanish team’s tactical discipline and possession mastery will face Argentina’s explosive attack, which has netted 19 goals in the tournament so far.

Key stat 📊

1 vs 19

Spain’s defense has been impenetrable, conceding only one goal in seven matches—an own goal by Belgium in the quarterfinals. Their collective control and passing accuracy, led by midfield maestro Rodri (694 successful passes), have set the tone. Meanwhile, Argentina’s attack, spearheaded by Messi, has been unstoppable, scoring 19 goals (2.72 per game). The showdown promises fireworks.

Player reaction 🎙️

Post-match, France’s players praised Deschamps, who departs after 14 years with an unmatched record. Despite the loss, the team’s spirit remained intact. Deschamps, visibly moved, emphasized the “beautiful journey” and refrained from discussing his future plans. Speculation points to Zinedine Zidane as his likely successor.

Match preview 🔎

Tonight’s final is a historic first: Spain and Argentina have never met in a World Cup final. Their only prior encounter in a World Cup came in 1966, with Argentina winning 2-1 in Birmingham. Overall, the two teams have squared off 14 times, with six wins apiece and two draws. The last meeting, a 6-1 Spain victory in 2018, saw Messi watch from the stands injured.

Spain’s collective strength contrasts with Argentina’s reliance on Messi, who has been instrumental in their late-stage comebacks. The final pits Spain’s defensive mastery against Argentina’s relentless attacking prowess, with both teams vying for a first-ever World Cup title.

Global spotlight 📰

Tonight’s final isn’t just about football. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and former US President Donald Trump will be in the stands, though their political tensions over the Iran conflict and NATO stance add intrigue. Meanwhile, Argentina’s President Javier Milei will watch from afar, adhering to a personal superstition. The Spanish royal family, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, will also attend, adding a touch of prestige.