Spain and Argentina set for blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026™ final

Viewers across the Middle East and North Africa can tune in to the Countdown show from 18:00 Mecca, followed by the pre-match studio at 20:00, before kick-off at 22:00 on beIN SPORTS MAX 5. Reigning world champions Argentina will look to defend their crown against a Spain side widely regarded as the standout team of the tournament.

Luis de la Fuente's Spain have been the benchmark throughout the competition, winning all seven of their matches while conceding just once. La Roja booked their place in the final with an impressive 2-0 victory over tournament favourites France, as Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro capped a flowing move to seal victory.

Spain's defensive record has been equally impressive. Their back line has frustrated every opponent they have faced in North America, conceding just one goal all tournament, and they enter the final having established themselves as one of the most complete teams in world football. Victory on Sunday would see Spain lift the men's FIFA World Cup™ for only the second time, adding to their triumph in South Africa in 2010.

The Spaniards have already ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream by eliminating Portugal and will now look to overcome another of football’s all-time greats, Lionel Messi.

Standing in the way of their second crown is Lionel Scaloni's Argentina, who are chasing history by becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men's FIFA World Cup™.

The South Americans showed their trademark resilience in the semi-finals, coming from behind to defeat England 2-1. After Anthony Gordon had given England an early lead, Lionel Messi inspired another famous comeback, creating goals for Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez to send La Albiceleste into another World Cup final.

Argentina have relied on their attacking quality throughout the tournament, scoring 19 goals across seven matches, the highest tally of any team in the competition. While Spain have built their success on defensive solidity, Argentina have repeatedly found answers through their wealth of attacking talent.

Sunday's final could also represent Lionel Messi's final appearance on football's biggest stage. The Argentine captain continues to chase both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot after another outstanding tournament and will once again be expected to lead from the front.

Spain's own young superstar, Lamine Yamal, has continued his remarkable rise throughout the competition. Although his influence extends well beyond goals and assists, the teenager has consistently troubled opposition defences and will once again be central to Spain's attacking threat.

Both finalists head into the showpiece with largely healthy squads.

Spain are expected to stick with the side that comfortably defeated France after concerns over Yamal and Pedro Porro proved to be precautionary rather than serious. Rodri is again set to anchor midfield alongside Fabian Ruiz, while Oyarzabal leads the line.

Argentina also have a fully fit squad available. Rodrigo De Paul is expected to return to the starting line-up after beginning the semi-final on the bench, while Gonzalo Montiel could replace Nahuel Molina at right-back. Despite scoring the winner against England, Lautaro Martinez is likely to start among the substitutes, with Julian Alvarez partnering Messi in attack.

The final will be played before a capacity crowd at New York New Jersey Stadium, bringing the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup™ to its conclusion after more than a month of action across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Preparations for the World Cup final have been affected by smoke from Canadian wildfires, which has significantly reduced air quality across parts of the eastern United States. New York and nearby New Jersey, where the final will be played, have experienced heavy haze, although forecast storms are expected to help clear some of the smoke before kick-off.

Predicted XIs Spain: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alejandro Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final LIVE on beIN SPORTS MAX 5, with coverage beginning at 18:00 Mecca time.