Argentina vs Spain LIVE: minute by minute of the 2026 World Cup final
IT CAN’T BE! Simeone sent it to the sky when he had the chance to beat Simón. It could have been the equalizer for Argentina.
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Five more minutes will be played.
ARGENTINA MISSED IT! Cubarsí cleared it out when Senesi was heading for goal.
Messi’s shot hit Merino’s face. Play stopped.
Good cross from Messi, but Cubarsí clears the ball to the corner.
A big difference. Spain completed 744 passes, while Argentina only 324.
GOAL DISALLOWED FOR SPAIN! Ferran Torres beat Dibu, but was offside.
Spain has the ball and can close the match with possession.
Yellow card for Mac Allister for a foul on Porro.
And now Argentina seeks the equalizer. Little time left for the Albiceleste.
Direct blow for Argentina, who now must find the equalizer at all costs.
Ferran Torres scores 1-0 after a pass from Williams. Dibu Martínez did not come out to cut the play when the ball went to the far post.
GOOOOOOOOOOOAL FOR SPAIN!
The second extra time period has started!
Argentina tries to defend as best as it can. Spain, on the other hand, is desperate to find the goal and avoid penalties.
End of the first extra time period!
And now Taglifico complains about a push from Torres. Throw-in for Argentina.
Good recovery from Messi to pass to Medina on the left, but Porro arrived first to close.
Yellow card for Lionel Scaloni.
Claims in Argentina for a collision between Cucurella and Simeone.
UFFFFFFFFF! Header from Merino that went very close to Dibu’s goal.
Scaloni has decided to defend in this extra time with the entry of Senesi. Three-man line for Argentina.
Substitution in Argentina: Marcos Senesi comes in replacing Julián Álvarez.
Yamal’s shot is way off target. Spain tries but can’t find a way to beat Dibu.
Foul by Messi on Cubarsí. Free kick for Spain to start play.
Good interception by Simeone against Williams’ attempt on the left.
Substitutions in Spain: Zubimendi and Eric García come in for Rodri and Laporte.
Merino stepped on Otamendi. But Spain demands the referee to check VAR.
NOT A GOAL! Williams had scored, but the referee called a foul by Merino on Otamendi.
Messi has done very little in the match. He has 17 good passes out of 29.
THE SAVIOR! Huge save by Dibu to prevent Spain’s 1-0.
Foul by Porro on Tagliafico. Free kick for Argentina to start play.
Spain moves the ball again, trying to bring danger to Dibu’s goal.
The first extra time period has started!
Argentina has not been able to play their game and will play extra time with 10 players.
What Argentina has suffered in this match is spectacular. Spain has dominated on the field but lacked the goal.
End of second half! We go to extra time.
DIBU SAVED IT! Tremendous effort by the goalkeeper to stop Yamal’s shot.
Yamal or Porro is getting ready.
Here could be Spain’s goal.
Dangerous foul by Paredes on Torres. Free kick for Spain.
Argentina is down to 10 players and very complicated in the match.
There are complaints in Argentina about what happened with Enzo, but the play is quite clear.
RED CARD! Enzo Fernández is sent off for a strong foul on Cubarsí.
TREMENDOUS DIBU! The Argentine goalkeeper appeared to block Williams’ shot.
Foul by Laporte on Messi. Free kick for Argentina.
Four more minutes will be played.
Rodri’s shot went over Dibu’s goal.
Now Torres tried a weak shot that was off target.
Another good clearance by Medina. The Argentine defender entered well.
Data shows Spain’s superiority in the match. Argentina finds it difficult to keep the ball.
Yellow card for Enzo Fernández for complaining.
Spain has completed 512 passes, while Argentina only 300.
Foul by Simeone on Cucurella. Free kick for Spain to start play.
Tagliafico closes his zone and sends the ball to the corner.
And Spain continues! Cubarsí’s shot: Dibu Martínez saves again.
Now a good clearance by Medina to clear the ball. Spain has absolute dominance.
Dibu appeared! Good shot from Pedri, although weak, that ends in Martínez’s hands.
Substitutions in Spain: Mikel Merino and Nico Williams come in for Dani Olmo and Fabián Ruíz.
Good anticipation by Otamendi to send the ball to the side of the field.
Good opportunity for Argentina, but Medina makes a bad cross and Spain counterattacks.
High pressure from Spain to hurry Argentina’s play.
Play resumes.
Substitutions in Argentina: Facundo Medina and Giuliano Simeone come in for Rodrigo De Paul and Cuti Romero.
Rehydration break.
DIBU APPEARED! Torres’ header was straight to goal, but Dibu was well positioned and caught the ball.
Yamal’s cross, but Paredes sends it to the corner.
FRIGHTENING FOR ARGENTINA! Tremendous shot from Olmo, but Dibu catches the ball in two times.
Substitutions in Spain: Ferran Torres and Pedri come in for Oyarzabal and Fabián Ruíz
Argentina continues to struggle in the match, unable to shake off Spanish dominance.
Foul by Paredes on Porro. Dangerous free kick for Spain.
Substitution in Argentina: Nahuel Molina comes in for Gonzalo Montiel.
GREAT CLEARANCE BY MONTIEL! The Argentine fullback arrived before Cucurella and cleared the ball to the corner.
Great clearance by Otamendi when Fabián and Oyarzabal combined near Argentina’s area.
Foul by Baena on Montiel. Free kick for Argentina to start play.
And now yellow card for Leandro Paredes for a foul on Rodri.
Rodri complains about a hit from Paredes.
Foul by Baena on De Paul. Free kick for Argentina to start play.
With Paredes’ entry, Argentina seeks to have more ball possession in midfield.
Montiel won a corner after winning a divided ball from Laporte.
Shot from Baena from mid-distance, but Martínez responds excellently!
The second half has started!
Substitution in Argentina: Leandro Paredes comes in for Nico González.
Teams return to the field. The second half will start shortly.
BTS also appeared at halftime.
THE VIKING ROW COULDN’T MISS THE SHOW! BTS and a TOP performance for the World Cup final halftime show.
? #ESPNWorldCup
???? Watch the best matches of the #FIFAWorldCup on ESPN, on DisneyPlus Premium Plan pic.twitter.com/miWMT1awiS— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) July 19, 2026
This was Shakira’s performance.
DAI DAI, THE SONG THAT IS TRENDING WORLDWIDE!! SHAKIRA couldn’t miss the halftime of Argentina vs. Spain!
? #ESPNWorldCup
???? Watch the best matches of the #FIFAWorldCup on ESPN, on DisneyPlus Premium Plan pic.twitter.com/xE35VfwL4Y— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) July 19, 2026
Pelé’s image was projected on the stadium screens.
It’s Shakira’s turn and the official song of the 2026 World Cup.
Justin Bieber performs at halftime and receives the stadium’s ovation.
The Half-Time Show is happening right now.
Argentina’s stats:
-0 shots
-0 shots on target
-36% possession
-185 passes
-83% pass accuracy
-8 fouls
-1 yellow card
-0 red cards
-1 offside
-0 corners
Spain’s stats:
-3 shots
-1 shot on target
-64% ball possession
-337 passes
-90% pass accuracy
-7 fouls
-2 corners
-2 offsides
Let’s go with some important stats from the first half.
It has been a very uneven first half. Spain dominates the ball, while Argentina suffers and is uncomfortable on the field.
Argentina and Spain are tied 0-0 at the end of the first half.
The first half is over!
Rodri has completed 50 of 52 passes.
Messi has touched the ball 15 times and has only 9 completed passes.
Foul by Oyarzabal on Messi. Free kick for Argentina to start play.
Long pass to Julián Álvarez, but the ball bounced a lot and Simón cleared it.
Substitution in Argentina: Nicolás Otamendi comes in replacing ‘Licha’ Martínez.
It can’t be! Concern in Argentina for ‘Licha’ Martínez, who is lying on the field.
IT WAS CLOSE! Cross shot from Cucurella that went close to Dibu Martínez’s goal.
Total control by Spain with ball possession.
Foul by ‘Licha’ Martínez on Oyarzabal. Yellow card for the Argentine defender.
DIBU APPEARED! Direct shot from Oyarzabal that ended in Dibu Martínez’s hands.
Porro claims a handball by Álvarez. The referee did not call it.
Uncomfortable match for Argentina. Scaloni’s team suffers and has not been able to play their game.
Good clearance by Molina when Cucurella tried to gain speed.
Offside position by Cucurella. Free kick for Argentina to start play.
Foul by Álvarez on Ruíaz. Free kick for Spain.
Spain has made 220 passes, while Argentina made 125. There is ball dominance by ‘La Roja’.
So far, Spain has 64% possession and Argentina 36%.
Good pass from Yamal to Olmo, but ‘Licha’ covers well in Argentina’s area.
Long pass from Enzo to find González, but the ball goes out of bounds.
Foul by Tagliafico on Yamal. Free kick for Spain.
Play resumes.
So far, Argentina and Spain are tied 0-0. Few chances to score for both teams, although ‘La Roja’ was closer to Dibu’s goal.
Rehydration break.
Baena’s corner went to Dibu’s hands.
Cucurella tried to make his way down the wing and won a corner.
Long ball that didn’t reach Julián. Argentina tries, but without clarity.
And now Enzo Fernández complains about a foul by Olmo. There is friction in this final.
Strong Cuti Romero against Baena, who was trying to get past the Argentine defender.
Good pressure from Julián Álvarez on Simón, who cleared the ball to the side.
De Paul’s free kick went too far and didn’t reach Nico González.
Foul by Baena on Messi. Offensive free kick for Argentina.
Olmo demands a yellow card for Mac Allister, but the referee did not consider it.
Strong foul by Mac Allister on Olmo, free kick for Spain.
Spain is better on the field. They have ball control and have already threatened Dibu’s goal.
Baena’s cross hit Tagliafico’s body. Throw-in for Spain.
Good cross from Fabián Ruiaz and ‘Licha’ Martínez sends the ball to the corner.
Pressure on Nico González and quick recovery by Spain. La Fuente’s team settles better.
Long pass from Rodri looking for Yamal, but the ball goes out of bounds.
Before the play, there was a good through pass to Messi, but goalkeeper Simón cut the danger.
Was it a foul? Porro complains about a foul by Mac Allister. It was clear for Spain.
The first touch by Yamal and Spain arrived dangerously at Argentina’s goal.
SPAIN’S FIRST! Good combination between Oyarzabal and Yamal, it reached the Barcelona star, but the ball did not reach Martínez’s goal.
And now foul by Molina on Baena. Free kick for Spain.
Bad pass from Tagliafico to Mac Allister. Throw-in for Spain.
Good touch from Cuti to Molina to go out on the right. Ball in Argentina’s possession.
Dibu Martínez has the ball now to start Argentina’s play.
Foul by Porro on González. Free kick for Argentina.
Spain controls the ball in these first minutes. The game is played in ‘La Roja’s’ half.
THE WORLD FINAL HAS STARTED!
Spain’s lineup
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Fabián, Rodri, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Baena and Oyarzabal
Argentina’s lineup
Dibu Martínez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Nico González; Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Everything is getting ready for the start of the match.
Now comes the customary greeting between the players.
The Argentine National Anthem is sung.
The Spanish National Anthem is sung.
THE MATCH IS ABOUT TO START!
Andrés Iniesta and Mario Alberto Kempes hold the 2026 World Cup trophy.
The 2026 World Cup trophy is now presented on the stadium field.
Argentina and Spain players returned to their respective locker rooms. Everything is getting ready for the match.
Teams are starting their warm-up on the field.
Large number of Argentine fans at MetLife Stadium. Approximately, there are 80% Argentines and 20% Spaniards.
Superstition can’t be missed! Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes walked around the field and ate candies before the match.
THE CANDY SUPERSTITION CONTINUES DESPITE EVERYTHING!
Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes circled the ceremony stage to keep the tradition of eating candies before the match.#WorldCupOnDSPORTS#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/TN6STQO5Dc
— DSPORTS (@DSports) July 19, 2026
Tic-tac! Tic-tac! The clock is ticking and less than an hour remains to see the World Cup final.
With Lamine Yamal, this was Spain’s arrival at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
SPAIN IS AT METLIFE
Luis de la Fuente’s team arrived at the stadium, ready for the #WorldCupOnDSPORTS final against Argentina.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/8makKFItgr
— DSPORTS (@DSports) July 19, 2026
To the rhythm of cumbia! This is how Dibu Martínez entered the locker rooms.
Cumbia plays in Argentina’s locker room and Dibu Martínez dares to dance. A TRADITION!
? #ESPNWorldCup
???? Watch the best matches of the #FIFAWorldCup on ESPN, on DisneyPlus Premium Plan pic.twitter.com/f7ifUg1668— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) July 19, 2026
This was Argentina’s arrival at the New York/New Jersey Stadium!
HELLO, LEO! Messi, as always with De Paul and Paredes, arrived at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the World Cup FINAL against Spain.
? #ESPNWorldCup
???? Watch the best matches of the #FIFAWorldCup on ESPN, on DisneyPlus Premium Plan pic.twitter.com/DD8pxzfHjX— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) July 19, 2026
Less than an hour and a half remains for the start of the World Cup final!
Spain’s lineup:
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Fabián, Rodri, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Baena and Oyarzabal
Argentina’s lineup:
Dibu Martínez; Montiel, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, Nico González; Messi and Julián Álvarez.
While we wait for the final to start, we already have confirmed lineups for this match.
What time does Spain vs. Argentina play in the 2026 World Cup?
- Argentina / Paraguay / Uruguay / Brazil: 16:00 hours.
- Chile / Bolivia / Venezuela: 15:00 hours.
- Colombia / Peru / Ecuador: 14:00 hours.
- Mexico: 13:00 hours.
- United States (ET): 15:00 hours.
- Spain: 21:00 hours.
Finally, in the United States you can follow the match through FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Tubi, FOX One, SiriusXM FC and Futbol de Primera Radio.
In Argentina, the Spain-Argentina match will be broadcast through Telefe, Mi Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports, Flow Sports, DirecTV, Paramount+ and Disney+ Premium.
The Spain vs. Argentina match will be televised by DirecTV, DGO, Disney+ Premium and Paramount+ for Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Venezuela. On the other hand, in Mexico you can watch the match through TUDN, Las Estrellas, Azteca 7, Canal 5 and ViX.
For Spain, the Spain vs. Argentina match will be broadcast through RTVE La 1, TVE, RTVE Play, Movistar+, La 2 cat, DAZN and TDP Play by cable and streaming.
Which channels broadcast the 2026 World Cup final match? Find out which channels show the Spain vs. Argentina match according to your country and where to watch it ONLINE via streaming.
Both teams arrive in excellent form, the ‘Albiceleste’ eliminated England in the semifinals in a thrilling match, while ‘La Roja’ knocked out many favorites: France, and is on its way to its second world title.
Good morning, friends of El Comercio, to the minute-by-minute of the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
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