FIFA World Cup: Live coverage of the final between Spain and Argentina
They left it late, but Spain outmuscled Argentina to be crowned World Cup champions.
Soccer: It’s all on the line as Spain and Argentina do battle in the World Cup final.
World soccer’s two top-ranked sides meet in a mouth-watering decider in New Jersey, with the winner set to hoist the trophy to cap what has been a memorable tournament.
Lionel Messi will be looking to lead Argentina to a second straight triumph after their win in 2022 - a feat last achieved by Brazil across 1958 and 1962. The match may also serve as a World Cup swansong for the 39-year-old legend.
On the other side of the coin, 2010 champions Spain will be desperate to replicate their midfield domination that led them past tournament favourites France in a 2-0 semifinal result.
Follow all the action below, with kick-off set for 3am (WA time).
Key events
20 Jul 2026 - 06:02 AM
SPAIN ARE CHAMPIONS!
20 Jul 2026 - 05:59 AM
Big chances!
20 Jul 2026 - 05:52 AM
Messi magic?
20 Jul 2026 - 05:44 AM
GOAL! SPAIN LEAD!!
20 Jul 2026 - 05:39 AM
Midway through extra time
20 Jul 2026 - 05:28 AM
GOAL WAVED AWAY
20 Jul 2026 - 05:16 AM
EXTRA TIME
20 Jul 2026 - 05:12 AM
RED CARD
20 Jul 2026 - 05:07 AM
Into added time
20 Jul 2026 - 04:50 AM
How’s this for a stat?!
20 Jul 2026 - 04:47 AM
Big chance!
20 Jul 2026 - 04:35 AM
Spain pressing
20 Jul 2026 - 04:27 AM
Back underway
20 Jul 2026 - 04:06 AM
Half-time show
20 Jul 2026 - 03:55 AM
HALF TIME: Spain 0-0 Argentina
20 Jul 2026 - 03:51 AM
Injury blow
20 Jul 2026 - 03:30 AM
Messi’s subdued start
20 Jul 2026 - 03:06 AM
Underway!
Underway!
The Buffer brothers - who else? - get us underway in the United States.
It’s Argentina with possession to begin.
Ready to go
The teams have walked out, the trophy is on display, each nation’s anthem is being blared, and we’re just about set to go under beaming sunshine.
There’s no great surprises in the line-ups as both squads look to back in what has got them here. Which style will stand up today? We’re about to find out.
Different lead-ins
The two nations have had contrasting paths to today’s final.
Spain have conceded just one goal in their four knockout matches – a stunning run that has seen them convincingly earn their place in the final (and their status as favourites).
They’ve also had a serious spread, with Mikel Oyazabal (five goals, one assist) their only player to have had a direct hand in more than two goals this tournament.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi has had his fingerprints all over pretty much every successful attacking foray, racking up eight goals and four assists.
And Argentina have done it the hard way through the cut-throat stages. They needed extra time to escape plucky minnows Cape Verde, squeezed past Egypt 3-2 with a string of late goals, outlasted Switzerland in extra time in their quarter final, and then left it late to roll England a few days ago. Will their luck run out today?
Weather watch
The sun is beaming over the stadium as Jennifer Hudson performs the US national anthem. It’s a cracking day in the wider New York area!
All happening
There’s been no shortage of entertainment in the lead-in, with the likes of Post Malone featuring pre-match.
And half-time will see Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber all on stage in what will be an extended intermission.
But the main thing everyone wants to see today is the round-ball action. Will it be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance? Can Argentina produce another late escape? Or will the technical precision of Spain rule the day?
We’re close to getting an answer as the 3am kick-off fast approaches.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup final!
It’s hideously early in WA – and still dark on the east coast of Australia – but there’s doubtless plenty of bleary-eyed fans who are up and ready in anticipation of this one.
Spain and Argentina are set to do battle at a packed MetLife Stadium, which is temporarily known as New York New Jersey Stadium for this tournament. Kick-off is set for 3am WA time.
