Kathmandu, July 19
Forty-eight teams, 104 matches, and finally one champion. The 23rd edition of the World Cup, spanning 96 years of history, has reached the point where new history is once again being written.
One team is aiming for a rare achievement in football history, winning back-to-back World Cups, while the other steps onto the field carrying the dream of returning to football’s highest throne after 16 years.
On one side is Argentina, playing in its eighth World Cup final, still centred around Lionel Messi. On the other is Spain, which has impressed the world with youthful energy, sharp attacking play and attractive football, and is now seeking its second World Cup title.
Monday morning’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final at the stadium in New York-New Jersey, USA, won’t just be a title clash between two teams, it will be a decisive contest between two generations, two styles, and two footballing philosophies.
The experienced Messi will try to add another golden chapter to his historic career, while 18-year-old Lamine Yamal will aim to usher in a new era of world football. So this final won’t just decide who takes the trophy; it will also answer the question of who holds the future of football.
Unbeaten since the group stage, both teams have shown why they are top contenders for the title. Argentina has reached the final for a second consecutive time by navigating a difficult knockout run. At the same time, Spain has built a reputation as one of the tournament’s most impressive teams by playing possession-based, attacking football throughout.
Now only 90 minutes remain, or extra time, if needed. After that, World Cup football will have its champion for the 23rd edition.
Spain’s impressive run
European champions Spain reached the final by keeping title favourites France fully under control in the semi-final. Their long spells of possession and clinical finishing have made them the tournament’s most balanced team.
Spain didn’t have an easy start in Group H. After a surprising goalless draw with Cape Verde, they beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 and then defeated Uruguay 1-0 to win the group.
Spain then beat Austria 3-0 in the round of 32, before defeating Portugal in the round of 16 and Belgium in the quarter-final, both matches decided by late goals from Mikel Merino. Spain has conceded just one goal in the tournament so far.
Playing in the World Cup final for the first time since 2010, Spain is now aiming to become world champions for the second time.
Argentina’s difficult road
The Copa America champions and defending World Cup champions Argentina had a far tougher journey than Spain.
Under Messi’s captaincy, Argentina won all three group matches; a hat-trick from Messi against Algeria, two goals against Austria, and another strong performance against Jordan saw them cruise through the group stage.
But Argentina had to fight in every round after that. They beat Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in the round of 32, then staged a historic comeback in the round of 16 against Egypt, overturning a 2-0 deficit as late as the 79th minute.
Argentina beat Switzerland in extra time in the quarterfinal, then came from behind again against England in the semifinal to reach the final. After falling behind to an Anthony Gordon goal, goals from Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez sent Argentina to a second consecutive final.
Argentina is now looking to turn its chance into reality, becoming, after Brazil, the first team to win two consecutive World Cups.
Second World Cup meeting
Spain and Argentina have met only once before at a World Cup.
In that 1966 match, Argentina beat Spain 2-1, with both Argentine goals scored by Luis Artime.
Outside the World Cup, the two teams have played 13 friendly matches, with Spain winning 6, Argentina winning 5, and two ending in draws.
Their most recent meeting was in 2018, when Spain beat Argentina 6-1.
Players to watch
For Argentina, all eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi. With eight goals, he remains in contention for the Golden Boot and is one of the tournament’s most influential players.
For Spain, young star Lamine Yamal, captain Rodri, Dani Olmo, and the centre-back pairing of Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí could prove decisive.
For Argentina, alongside Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will also be key players.
