NEW YORK — Final preparations intensified on Saturday for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina, with both teams completing their final training schedules and media commitments ahead of Sunday's title match at New York New Jersey Stadium.
FIFA confirmed that the tournament's 104th and final match will kick off at 3:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, concluding the first men's World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Spain, the reigning European champions, will face an Argentina side seeking to retain the title it won in Qatar four years earlier.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni told reporters on Friday that his team had prepared for the final "the same way" it had approached previous matches, emphasizing detailed analysis of Spain while acknowledging the quality of the opposition. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also took part in the official pre-match news conference.
Spain continued training in Whippany, New Jersey, with all 26 players available, according to the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Head coach Luis de la Fuente oversaw tactical preparations after the team's arrival in the New York metropolitan area earlier this week, while captain Rodri was scheduled to join the coach for FIFA's official pre-final media activities.
The final brings together two of the tournament's most successful teams. Spain advanced after defeating France in the semifinals, while Argentina secured its place by overcoming England. FIFA has described the match as a meeting between the European champions and the reigning world and South American champions.
Lionel Messi, appearing at a public event in New York on Saturday, said Argentina would "give it our all" in pursuit of another World Cup title. Spain captain Rodri praised Messi during the same event while stressing his team's focus on the challenge ahead.
The match also features contrasting storylines, with 39-year-old Messi seeking another World Cup triumph and Spain led by a younger generation that includes teenage forward Lamine Yamal. Argentina is aiming for its fourth World Cup title and a second consecutive championship, while Spain is pursuing its second world crown after its 2010 victory.
Tournament organizers and local authorities continued operational and security preparations around the stadium as fans gathered across the New York area ahead of the final. FIFA has scheduled the official pre-match ceremonies before kickoff on Sunday, when the 2026 world champions will be crowned.
