Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DEFENDING champions Argentina will face 2010 winners Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New York, on Sunday.
Argentina secured a second successive World Cup final appearance after coming from behind to beat England 2-1 in the semi-finals, while Spain defeated France 2-0 to book their place in the title decider.
The final pits the tournament’s highest-scoring team, Argentina, against Spain’s resolute defence, which has conceded just one goal throughout the competition.
Lionel Scaloni’s side are chasing a fourth FIFA World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1978, 1986 and 2022. Victory would also make Argentina the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Veteran captain Lionel Messi is aiming to end what is expected to be his final World Cup campaign with a second consecutive winners’ medal.
Spain, champions in 2010, are seeking to reclaim the title for the first time in 16 years after an impressive tournament run.
The final also offers a compelling generational contest, with 39-year-old Messi leading Argentina against Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, one of world football’s brightest emerging talents.
