Argentina faces Spain in FIFA World Cup final as Canada's host tournament concludes Sunday
Kickoff is 3 p.m. EDT at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Post Malone headlines the closing ceremony; Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira perform at halftime.
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Lionel Messi and Argentina face Lamine Yamal and Spain in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, bringing Canada's month-long host tournament to a close.
Kickoff is at 3 p.m. EDT at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Argentina is seeking its fourth title; Spain is chasing its second and could become the first nation to simultaneously hold the World Cup crowns in both men's and women's soccer.
It's the 104th match of the biggest World Cup ever — a 48-team event that played out over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, it was no surprise that there were more goals than all other editions: 307 and counting entering Sunday.
The spectacle will extend far beyond the pitch. Post Malone headlines the closing ceremony, which starts 90 minutes before the final. The halftime show — a first for FIFA — features Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS as headliners, along with Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, and characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets. President Donald Trump is expected to attend and be part of the trophy presentation at the match's conclusion.
Argentina is wearing its light blue and white vertically striped jerseys for the match, while Spain is wearing predominantly red with navy sleeves. The officiating crew is from Slovenia, with Slavko Vinčić as the referee.
By the numbers
When is the FIFA World Cup final and what time does it start?
The final takes place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with kickoff at 3 p.m. EDT at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
How many matches were played in this World Cup?
104 matches were played, making it the biggest World Cup ever with 48 teams competing across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
How many goals were scored in the tournament?
307 goals were scored entering the final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, more than all other World Cup editions combined.
Who performs at halftime?
Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS headline the halftime show, joined by Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, and characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets.