Track Tickets
The 2026 World Cup will be decided by the champions of Europe against the champions of the world. Spain booked their place with a controlled 2-0 win over France in Dallas, before Argentina produced yet another late escape to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta. The two sides meet at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July.
Argentina 2-1 England: Messi inspires another stoppage-time comeback
For 84 minutes, England looked to be heading for a first World Cup final since 1966. Anthony Gordon had put them ahead in the 55th minute, turning in Morgan Rogers' cross after a rapid break, and a disciplined, deep-defending England were on course to see the game out against an Argentina side that dominated possession but could not find a way through.
Then Lionel Messi took over. Facing England for the first time in his career, the Argentina captain delivered two crosses in the closing minutes that turned the tie on its head. Enzo Fernández rose to head home the equaliser in the 85th minute, and deep into stoppage time Lautaro Martínez met another Messi delivery to nod in the winner. It was the latest in a long line of late goals from the defending champions at this tournament, and it carried them into a second consecutive final.
The result extends England's long wait for a second world title, still stuck on their solitary triumph of 1966. For Argentina, it continues a title defence that has rarely been convincing but has proved impossible to stop.
Spain 2-0 France: clinical La Roja reach the final
The first semi-final, in Dallas, was a more measured affair. Spain, the reigning European champions, frustrated France for long spells and punished them at the other end. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring inside the first half, and Pedro Porro added a second just before the hour to settle it.
France, for all their attacking talent, could not find a way past a composed Spanish defence, with goalkeeper Unai Simón largely untroubled. Spain have blended control with a resolute back line throughout the knockout rounds, underlining why they arrived among the pre-tournament favourites.
The final: Europe vs the world at New York New Jersey Stadium
Sunday's final is a heavyweight occasion. Argentina, driven by Lionel Messi in what is widely expected to be his last World Cup, are chasing back-to-back titles, something no nation has managed since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Spain, powered by a golden generation and teenage star Lamine Yamal, are aiming for a second world crown and their first since 2010.
It is the champions of Europe against the champions of the world, Messi's farewell against Yamal's arrival, and arguably the two most in-form sides of the tournament. Kick-off at New York New Jersey Stadium is at 21:00 CEST (15:00 local) on Sunday 19 July.
2026 World Cup Final tickets
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