A montage showing Argentinian Lionel Messi celebrating his team's qualification for the World Cup final, and Spaniard Lamine Yamal reacting after a goal was disallowed for offside during the semi-final against France. (Credit: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters and Paul Ellis/AFP)
Here we are. After six weeks of World Cup action — with matches that have ranged from brilliant to difficult to watch — it now comes down to Spain versus Argentina on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
For this huge final, we'll be covering the match live with you from kickoff to the final whistle, starting at 10 p.m. Beirut time.
At 39, Lionel Messi remains Argentina's best player and driving force. If Argentina wins, the Albiceleste would claim a second consecutive world title — a feat that only two teams have ever accomplished: Italy, in 1934 then in 1938, and Brazil, in 1958 and 1962. No one has achieved this since.
Spain, meanwhile, has quietly reached the final, conceding very few goals. Among the key players behind the team's strength are Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, both just 19 years old. They are both older than Pelé when he won the world champion with Brazil at just 17 in 1958. As fate would have it, Yamal will play this final against the player whose posters once covered his childhood bedroom walls.
Whatever your rituals for major football nights, get ready: gather your friends or family, stock up on drinks and snacks, and settle in. Ninety minutes may be enough, but World Cup finals often keep everyone on edge. Extra time, a penalty shootout — anything is possible. One thing is certain: we'll be with you during the game.
So, who will you be supporting? In your opinion, who will lift the 2026 World Cup trophy: Spain or Argentina?
Send us your predictions, questions or comments — about the match, the players or your favorite World Cup memory — before and during the game in the comments section (reserved for subscribers) or by email at livechatolj@lorientlejour.com.
We’ll answer them live throughout our coverage.
