After more than three weeks of world-class soccer action across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the expanded 48-team edition that already holds the title of the largest World Cup in tournament history — is set for its climax on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium, where two global powerhouses will clash for soccer’s most coveted prize: four-time finalists Argentina, seeking their fourth World Cup crown, face off against Spain, who are gunning for their second men’s title. A win for Spain would make history, as it would become the first nation ever to hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup trophies simultaneously, following Spain’s women’s team victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This expanded 48-team tournament has already broken multiple records before the final whistle even blows. With 103 matches completed heading into Sunday’s final, the 2026 edition has already seen more total goals scored than any previous World Cup, with 307 goals on the board entering the championship clash. If Argentina and Spain net at least two combined goals in the final, this tournament will claim another milestone: the highest average goals per game since the 1956 World Cup, which posted an average of 3.6 goals per match. Even if the two sides combine for fewer than two goals, 2026 will still hold the second-highest average goals per game in World Cup history, outperforming every tournament since the 1970 World Cup, which averaged 2.97 goals per game.
Beyond the on-pitch action, this final will deliver a unprecedented global entertainment spectacle, a first for FIFA’s men’s World Cup. Grammy-nominated multiplatinum artist Post Malone will headline the official closing ceremony, scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kickoff. For the first time in men’s World Cup history, the match will feature a star-studded halftime show headlined by a roster of global superstars: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and KRT, joined afropop icon Burna Boy, award-winning Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the acclaimed PS 22 Chorus with a special guest appearance from Coldplay, and even beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
High-profile attendance is also expected for the historic match, with former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed to be in attendance and scheduled to take part in the post-match trophy presentation. Ahead of kickoff, both sides have confirmed their kit choices: Argentina will take the pitch in its iconic light blue and white vertically striped home jerseys, while Spain will wear its primary kit of predominantly red with navy blue sleeves. Officiating the historic final is a crew from Slovenia, led by head referee Slavko Vinčić, with assistant referees Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič.
For Argentina, the match also represents a chance for captain Lionel Messi to add another chapter to his already legendary career. Messi enters the final within striking distance of tournament leader Kylian Mbappé for the Golden Boot, and is also in contention for a record third Golden Ball award, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever step onto a soccer pitch.