After a thrilling 38-day tournament consisting of 103 matches, we have reached the concluding game of the 2026 World Cup.
Out of 46 competing teams, only two remain: Argentina, ranked No. 1 globally, and Spain, ranked No. 2.
Remarkably, the last encounter between these two nations in a World Cup setting was in 1966, but they will meet again on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
There are numerous narratives and angles to consider leading up to the final, including halftime performances and the attendance of President Donald Trump, so let’s dive in.
Styles Make Fights
First of all, this match will showcase two distinctly different playing styles. Using a term popularized by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, it’s like heavy metal versus a classical orchestra.
Argentina embodies an aggressive and physical approach, excelling at the gritty aspects of the game, often placing this above their evident technical skills. They come out strong from the very first whistle, pushing forward with relentless intensity.
This chaos provides an ideal stage for Lionel Messi to showcase his brilliance. His teammates act more like enforcers, allowing Messi to concentrate solely on dismantling the opposition’s defense with his exceptional skills.
This strategy has proven effective, as evidenced by Argentina’s numerous late-game goals and remarkable comebacks, indicating that rivals struggle to withstand Argentina’s intensity for the full duration of the match.
On the flip side, Spain’s approach is much more measured, emphasizing ball control and methodical passing to exploit any fleeting lapses in the opponent’s concentration. Their simple philosophy is clear: maintaining possession means the opponent can’t score, a tactic that has proven successful for them in recent competitions.
Spain last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2010 with a similar possession-driven strategy, known as “tiki-taka.” This style defined a soccer era, but has recently been overshadowed by a more physical approach. Even during their 2022 European Championship victory, they capitalized on the speed and directness of their wingers.
However, due to several injuries this summer, manager Luis de la Fuente has returned to Spain’s reliable style, making them a slight favorite for the championship.
Argentina’s clear objective is to disrupt Spain’s rhythm.
Spanish midfielder Rodri will be a primary target for Argentina, as he is instrumental in maintaining the tempo of Spain’s midfield. He leads the tournament in passes made, with a remarkable total of 694—over 100 more than his closest competitor. If Argentina can neutralize him, it will significantly diminish Spain’s strength.
It won’t come as a surprise that Argentina has committed the most fouls in the tournament, setting the stage for numerous tackles and potential confrontations both on the field and beyond.
Spain must remain composed and stick to its game plan, resisting any provocations, even though doing so is often easier said than done. One thing is certain: referee Slavko Vinčić will have a challenging task from the outset.
“I anticipate Sunday’s match will be quite different, leaning towards a more physical encounter, and we need to be ready,” Rodri expressed to reporters in the lead-up to the final, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to any style of play.
“We are capable of adjusting our strategy depending on the situation, whether it requires defending, counterattacking, or attacking. We are a well-rounded squad, and that’s why we are here.”
The King vs. The Prince
While the contrasting styles are intriguing, the more compelling storyline is undoubtedly the face-off between Messi and Lamine Yamal.
There’s no need to elaborate on Messi’s extraordinary abilities; he has been the best in the world for nearly twenty years. However, if anyone has the potential to rival or even surpass Messi’s legacy, it could very well be Yamal.
Although referred to as a man, the Spaniard is merely a boy, having just turned 19 this week, yet he has achieved more than most players do in their entire careers.
Yamal is already a three-time La Liga champion with Barcelona, a European champion with Spain, and now stands one match away from adding a World Cup title to his accolades in his very first tournament.
It’s no surprise that comparisons are being drawn between him and Messi. Both players emerged from the same club, frequently play on the same wing, and possess an extraordinary ability to outmaneuver defenders.
Yamal has consistently downplayed these comparisons, focusing on becoming the best version of himself. Despite battling an injury prior to the tournament that affected his form, he will be a significant focus for Argentina’s defense.
The iconic 2007 photoshoot in which Messi was seen cradling a young child, who happened to be Yamal, has resurfaced in discussions.
Whether one views it as fate or an early passing of the torch, it will certainly be a surreal moment on Sunday when they face each other for the first time.
Given the course of the tournament thus far, Spain will likely be more concerned about Messi than Argentina will be about Yamal. However, underestimating the young talent would be a serious mistake.
Comparing Form
Argentina is the sole team to have won all its matches in this tournament, while Spain remains unbeaten but recorded a draw in its opening group stage game.
Yet, this perfect record masks the reality that Argentina has faced near-elimination on multiple occasions.
Cape Verde took them to extra time in the Round of 32, while Egypt was just 11 minutes away from a win before a miraculous play by Messi turned the Round of 16 match. A red card then allowed Argentina to narrowly defeat Switzerland in the quarterfinals, followed by a dramatic late comeback against England in the semifinals.
It appears that Argentina is destined to advance.
However, they have picked up a few adversaries along the way. Argentina’s robust style of play is not universally appreciated, and the team has also been the subject of unfounded conspiracy theories alleging that FIFA aided their journey to the final.
Regardless of opinions, Argentina’s determination must be acknowledged.
“We have once again established ourselves among the elite teams in the world. This shows that our achievements are genuine and that nothing has been handed to us,” Messi asserted earlier this week.
For Spain, their performance has steadily improved throughout the tournament, culminating in a standout 2-0 victory against France in the semifinals that captured global attention.
Prior to that, like Argentina, La Roja had relied on late-game goals to progress, primarily thanks to Mikel Merino, who was pivotal in both the Round of 16 and quarterfinal matches after coming off the bench.
To illustrate the contrast between these two teams, consider this statistic.
Before yesterday’s third-place playoff, Argentina had scored more goals than any team in the tournament (19), while Spain had conceded the fewest (1).
This sets the stage for an epic showdown.
Everything Else
This year’s World Cup final signifies much more than just a soccer match. It marks the conclusion of a summer filled with soccer celebration, a grand festival that has elevated the sport in America. The tournament has been warmly received by its hosts, a sentiment that will be evident during the final.
Notably, this event will feature the inaugural halftime show.
Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber are all set to perform during an anticipated 11-minute show. However, it has been suggested that the spectacle may extend the regular halftime break, which could frustrate soccer purists.
According to the rules, the halftime interval should not exceed 15 minutes, but FIFA has been somewhat ambiguous regarding the regulations for this tournament. Reports indicate that the setup and dismantling of the stage will likely prolong the break beyond the usual duration.
Additionally, due to the significance of the final, President Trump is expected to be present. However, he won’t just be observing; FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously indicated that Trump will present the trophy to the winning team, similar to his role during the Club World Cup last summer.
