NEW JERSEY, USA: The stage is set for a historic World Cup final as defending champions Argentina prepare to face Spain at MetLife Stadium, with Lionel Messi aiming to cement his legacy with back-to-back titles while US President Donald Trump and Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise join a star-studded 80,000-strong crowd.
After weeks of uncertainty over air quality due to Canadian wildfires, blue skies greeted fans on Sunday morning as the tournament’s 104th and final match got underway. The spectacle began with stirring renditions of national anthems, followed by a colorful pre-match ceremony that showcased the cultural richness of both finalists and featured a dazzling display of lights and pyrotechnics.
President Trump arrives at MetLife Stadium for the
FIFA World Cup Final,
joining fans for one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. ⚽🇺🇸
Its Final Game Spain vs Argentina #Spain #Argentina #WorldCupFinal #ESPARG pic.twitter.com/YXCZzxf3yM— Rabindra. 🚩 (@rabindraX238) July 19, 2026
Scaloni rings the changes for Argentina
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to the side that dramatically defeated England in the semi-finals. Rodrigo De Paul returns to the midfield, Gonzalo Montiel comes in at right back, and Nicolas Gonzalez starts on the wing.
Lionel Messi captains the Albiceleste in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance. Giuliano Simeone, Nahuel Molina, and Leandro Paredes have been dropped to the bench as Argentina seek to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
Spain Keep Faith with Winning Formula
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for continuity, naming an unchanged lineup from the side that stunned France in the semi-finals. Lamine Yamal starts in the front line despite missing training this week with a knock, while Pedro Porro is also included after recovering from hamstring discomfort.
Pedri remains among the substitutes as La Roja eye a second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden victory in South Africa. The European champions have been the tournament’s most consistent side, conceding just one goal en route to the final.
Star-Studded Spectator List
The final has attracted a galaxy of celebrities, with President Donald Trump attending his first match of the tournament. The US leader joins Tom Cruise and a host of other dignitaries in the stands, adding to the electric atmosphere at the 80,000-capacity venue.
Tom Cruise before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina starts. Interesting speech about togetherness and unity while the division instigator Trump is in the audience pic.twitter.com/aH16Cy55W2
— Emi Eleode (@EmiEleode) July 19, 2026
The pre-match ceremony featured a spectacular display of lights, fireworks, and cultural performances representing both nations. Fans from both sides created a vibrant mosaic of colors, with Argentine blue and white mixing with Spanish red and yellow across the stadium.
President Trump has arrived aboard Marine One at MetLife Stadium for the FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain, flying directly over the stadium before landing. pic.twitter.com/2y7FIj9ncN
— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) July 19, 2026
High Stakes for Both Sides
For Argentina, victory would cement their status as one of the greatest teams in football history and give the 39-year-old Messi the perfect send-off. The Albiceleste have overcome adversity throughout the tournament, needing late comebacks and extra time to survive, but their resilience has been remarkable.
Spain, meanwhile, have been the tournament’s most impressive side. Their defensive record—just one goal conceded—speaks to their organization, while their attacking flair has produced moments of brilliance. A second World Cup title would mark the arrival of a new golden generation.
Starting Lineups
Spain XI: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.
Argentina XI: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lionel Messi (captain), Julian Alvarez.
A Final for the Ages
As the players line up for the anthem and the final gets underway, history beckons for both sides. Whether Messi delivers a fairytale ending or Spain’s new generation announces its arrival, the 2026 World Cup final promises to be a spectacle befitting the occasion.
