FIFA World Cup: 10 things to know before Spain-Argentina final in New York

The 2026 FIFA World Cup culminates this Sunday with a highly anticipated final between the reigning champions Argentina and European champions Spain. Held at the open-air stadium in the New York-New Jersey area, the event marks a significant chapter in football history as Argentina pursues consecutive World Cup titles, a feat achieved by only two nations before.

This final also represents Spain’s opportunity to secure their second world championship, sixteen years after their first. The matchup brings together two football powerhouses at vastly different stages, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown witnessed by over 80,000 attendees in the stadium and tens of thousands more joining public viewings across New York City.

Amid the sporting excitement, an evocative story has captured global attention: a nearly two-decade-old photograph of Lionel Messi tenderly bathing baby Lamine Yamal during a UNICEF campaign at Barcelona’s Camp Nou. This image resurfaced as a poignant symbol of generational passage, with both players now facing off in the tournament’s climax.

The final will feature a notable political presence, as former US President Donald Trump is set to attend and participate in the trophy presentation alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This marks Trump’s first appearance at a World Cup event and underscores the complex intersection of sports and politics, highlighted previously by controversy surrounding the suspension of a US player during the tournament.

In contrast, Argentina’s President Javier Milei has opted not to attend the final in person, citing superstitious rituals observed throughout the tournament. His decision to watch remotely while maintaining consistent pre-match habits reflects the cultural significance of ritualistic beliefs, or “cabalas,” particularly prevalent in Latin American football fandom.

Environmental concerns have also played a role in the lead-up to the event. Smoke from Canadian wildfires affected air quality across the northeastern United States this week, prompting health advisories and raising questions about outdoor activity safety. However, a cold front is expected to clear the haze by match day, ensuring safer conditions for spectators.

Ticket prices for the final have reached unprecedented levels in the United States, with average costs surpassing those of major American sports championships such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. Secondary market data reveals an upward trajectory in prices, reflecting the final’s immense appeal and the global passion for football.

Adding to the spectacle, the World Cup final will incorporate a halftime show inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl tradition. The performance will feature an international lineup of prominent music artists, including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, and Coldplay, offering a vibrant cultural interlude lasting approximately eleven minutes and potentially extending the break to thirty minutes.

Prior to kickoff, a closing ceremony is also scheduled, with appearances expected from celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Robbie Williams, heightening the event’s entertainment value beyond the pitch.

On the prize front, FIFA has set a record tournament fund, increasing the total prize money to $727 million, with champions receiving $50 million and runners-up $33 million. This financial commitment reflects the sport’s growing commercial influence and the stakes involved for competing nations.

The iconic World Cup trophy will be delivered to the venue in a specially crafted Louis Vuitton trunk, symbolizing luxury and prestige. Individual awards, including the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, remain within reach for standout players like Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe, who will compete in the third-place playoff.

Officiating the match will be Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic, supported by a team of international referees, ensuring the final is conducted with the highest standards of fairness and professionalism. As the world tunes in, the event promises a blend of intense competition, cultural celebration, and historic significance in the global football narrative.