The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled for today at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. As of the latest official updates, the match has not kicked off yet, so there are no live score updates or match events to report.
What to know about the World Cup final
Kickoff: Spain and Argentina face off at 3 p.m. ET in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
How to watch: The match will be broadcast on Telemundo and streamed on Peacock.
Halftime entertainment: The show is set to feature performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
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If history is any indication, expect some goals
Historically, World Cup finals have featured plenty of scoring. Across the previous 22 men's championship deciders—including the 1950 Uruguay-Brazil match that effectively determined the champion—the winning team has averaged 2.6 goals, while the runner-up has averaged 1.1.
Recent finals have been especially attack-minded. France defeated Croatia 4-2 in 2018, and the 2022 final ended 3-3 before Argentina edged France in a penalty shootout, combining for 12 goals across the two matches.
Scoring multiple goals has usually been the formula for lifting the trophy. Teams that netted at least twice have won the World Cup 17 times, although eight teams have scored two or more goals in a final and still finished as runners-up.
By contrast, low-scoring finals have been rare. Only three title matches have ended 1-0: West Germany's victory over Argentina in 1990, Spain's extra-time win over the Netherlands in 2010, and Germany's triumph over Argentina in 2014. The only scoreless final came in 1994, when Brazil defeated Italy in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw—the only World Cup final played on U.S. soil before the 2026 championship.
New York is the heart of the world and is a fitting host for the final
Fans of Spain and Argentina, celebrities from around the world, and soccer enthusiasts of every allegiance have descended on New York City for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere as millions tune in globally.
Across Manhattan, World Cup fever is impossible to miss. Giant billboards featuring stars such as Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Christian Pulisic dominate the skyline, while fan zones, packed streets and a sea of team colors have transformed the city into the center of the soccer world.
