Spain and Argentina book places in 2026 FIFA World Cup final

Spain and Argentina will contest the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday after both sides won their semi-finals, capping a tournament of more than 100 matches across three weeks that drew a worldwide television audience.

Spain defeated France at a sold-out, air-conditioned stadium seating about 70,000 in Dallas, Texas. Early pressure unsettled the favourites, who fielded stars including Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé. French hopes rose and fell before fading as Spain seized control. Supporters interviewed after the match said Spain looked a different side—dominant in midfield, swarming Mbappé whenever he received the ball, and ending a long wait for a fully convincing performance. Spain entered the tie on a 38-match unbeaten run, with a Barcelona-heavy core dictating tempo.

In the other semi-final on Wednesday, England led 1-0 in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished a cross from Rogers. Argentina fought back and advanced to the final. Lionel Messi did not score in that contest, though fans and commentators still cast him as the central figure of the campaign.

In Kingston, supporters split between the two remaining sides and the teams already eliminated. Some backed Spain to frustrate Argentina and win outright; others tipped Argentina, with Messi still the draw. England fans had hoped Jude Bellingham would carry the Three Lions through, with scoreline guesses ranging from narrow England wins to Argentina victories.

Football follower Richard Shen said the expanded format and closer competition among teams had made the tournament harder to predict. He praised hydration breaks and strategic coaching changes, highlighted strong showings by smaller nations—including Cape Verde’s goalkeeper—and named Senegal’s loss after controlling a match against Belgium as a low point. Shen argued Spain may edge Argentina by frustrating late surges, framed the final as South America’s best against Europe’s, and said football’s power to connect people remains unmatched even amid wider debate about the tournament.