Sporting events don’t come any bigger than the World Cup final. Sunday’s encounter between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey will be the first time that the reigning European and South American champions have met in a World Cup final, making this a fitting conclusion to the tournament.
Spain are the favourites. Luis De La Fuente’s side made a big statement by comfortably beating France in the final four, keeping a sixth clean sheet in eight games. Rodri was at his imperious best against France and will give the European champions control in the centre of the pitch.
Argentina demonstrated their spirit by staging a late fightback against England to secure their place in the final. Lionel Messi and co are aiming to become the first team to successfully defend a men’s World Cup title since Brazil in 1962 and only a fool would bet against them at this stage.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
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Spain v Argentina (Match 104)
Time (ET): 3pm
Stadium: MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey)
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Spain took their time to warm up at this World Cup, but their semi-final performance against France was proof they have come to the boil at the right time. Indeed, the European champions completely nullified their opponents in a way that surely has Argentina concerned ahead of Sunday’s final.
If Argentina can get a grip of the game like they did in Wednesday’s semi-final against England, they stand a good chance of going back-to-back as World Cup winners. Thomas Tuchel’s defensive changes might have handed the initiative to the defending champions, but Messi and his teammates grasped their opportunity.
This has the potential to be a back-and-forth affair that allows both teams to showcase their quality. Argentina have Messi, but Spain boast his heir apparent at club level in the shape of Lamine Yamal who could be the difference-maker that decides the outcome of the 2026 World Cup.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Argentina - Even at 39, the GOAT remains the GOAT. Eight goals in seven games still doesn’t illustrate the true influence Messi has had on this World Cup and Argentina need him to make one final match-winning impact in New Jersey.
What to read
God’s will? Destiny? Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, that photo and the World Cup final
Smoke, travel and Trump threaten New York’s grand World Cup finale
‘Leo has surpassed Diego’: after two decades Argentina embraces Messi
