2026 World Cup Final: Day, time and everything you need to know

Spain has secured its place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place on July 19 in New Jersey, after defeating France 2-0 in their semi-final match. The Spanish team, led by coach Luis De la Fuente, showcased tactical superiority over their French counterparts, who struggled to generate meaningful chances throughout the game. Spain opened the scoring with a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzábal following a handball incident involving French defender Lucas Digne. The goal came after Digne mishandled the ball inside the box, allowing Lamine Yamal to win possession and strike the referee's whistle. In the second half, Pedro Porro sealed the victory with a clinical finish after a well-executed one-two with Dani Olmo, leaving France unable to mount a comeback despite numerous attempts. The final will see Spain face either England or Argentina, whose semi-final clash was scheduled for Wednesday in Atlanta. This upcoming match promises to be highly anticipated, given the global appeal of both teams and the historical significance of the tournament being hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The World Cup final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has a capacity of 82,500 spectators. The stadium, opened in 2010, serves as home ground for both the New York Jets and New York Giants of the NFL and has previously hosted major football events such as the 2016 Copa America Centenario final and the 2025 Club World Cup final. The World Cup final will be broadcast across multiple television channels in Argentina, including DSports, TyC Sports, Telefé, and the public broadcaster TV Pública. These channels will also offer online streaming options through platforms such as DGO, Flow, and Telecentro Play. Additionally, digital platforms Paramount+ and Disney+ Premium will carry the match, ensuring wide accessibility for fans around the world. For real-time updates and statistics, the website canchallena.com will provide minute-by-minute coverage during the final. The MetLife Stadium has already hosted several matches leading up to the final, including five group stage games, one round of 16 encounter, and another quarterfinal match. Its history as a venue for high-profile sporting events adds to the prestige of hosting the World Cup final. Previous finals held at this location include the 2016 Copa America Centenario, where Chile defeated Argentina on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regular time, and the 2025 Copa America, where Argentina claimed the title. The World Cup final will mark the 104th match of the 23rd edition of the tournament, continuing a legacy of memorable encounters that have defined the sport globally. If the final ends in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time of 30 minutes will be played. Should the score remain tied after that period, the winner will be determined via a penalty shootout. This format ensures that the outcome is decided on the field, providing an exciting climax to the competition. The anticipation surrounding the final reflects the growing popularity of international football tournaments, particularly in regions outside traditional powerhouses. With Spain having reached the final, the stage is set for a historic showdown against either England or Argentina, two nations with rich footballing traditions and passionate fan bases. The match will not only determine the new World Cup champion but also highlight the collaborative efforts of the three host countries in delivering a successful tournament. As the countdown continues to the final day, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the spectacle that promises to be one of the most unforgettable moments in football history.