Updated: October 2026. FIFA Live Updates is an independent fan website and is not affiliated with FIFA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final was played on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain beat Argentina 1–0 after extra time to win the World Cup for the second time. This page covers the date and venue, the tournament schedule that led up to the final, each finalist’s route, and the key facts from the match itself.
Final at a glance
| Date | Sunday, 19 July 2026 |
| Venue | New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA |
| Match | Spain vs Argentina (match 104) |
| Result | Spain 1–0 Argentina (after extra time; 0–0 after 90 minutes) |
| Goal | Ferran Torres, 106th minute |
| Attendance | 80,663 |
| Referee | Slavko Vinčič (Slovenia) |
The 2026 World Cup schedule
The 48-team format added a Round of 32, so the tournament lasted 39 days and the finalists each played eight matches instead of seven.
| Stage | Dates (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening match | 11 June | Mexico 2–0 South Africa, Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca) |
| Group stage | 11–27 June | 72 matches, 12 groups of four |
| Round of 32 | 28 June – 3 July | 16 matches |
| Round of 16 | 4–7 July | 8 matches |
| Quarter-finals | 9–11 July | Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Kansas City |
| Semi-finals | 14–15 July | Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) and Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) |
| Third-place match | 18 July | Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium): England 6–4 France |
| Final | 19 July | New York New Jersey Stadium: Spain 1–0 Argentina (a.e.t.) |
Spain’s route to the final
- Group H: winners with 7 points, scoring five goals and conceding none.
- Round of 32: Spain 3–0 Austria (Los Angeles)
- Round of 16: Portugal 0–1 Spain (Dallas)
- Quarter-final: Spain 2–1 Belgium (Los Angeles)
- Semi-final: France 0–2 Spain (Dallas)
Argentina’s route to the final
- Group J: winners with maximum 9 points, scoring eight goals and conceding one.
- Round of 32: Argentina 3–2 Cape Verde, after extra time (Miami)
- Round of 16: Argentina 3–2 Egypt (Atlanta)
- Quarter-final: Argentina 3–1 Switzerland, after extra time (Kansas City)
- Semi-final: England 1–2 Argentina (Atlanta). Anthony Gordon scored for England; Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez replied late.
How the final was decided
The match was goalless after 90 minutes. Argentina were reduced to ten men in stoppage time at the end of normal time, when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card. In the first minute of the second period of extra time, Pedro Porro crossed to the far post, Nico Williams headed the ball back across goal and substitute Ferran Torres finished to score the only goal. Spain held on to add the 2026 title to their 2010 triumph.
Spain conceded only one goal in their eight matches, and goalkeeper Unai Simón won the Golden Glove. Coach Luis de la Fuente became the oldest coach to win the World Cup. For the full awards list and top scorers, see our World Cup 2026 winner and awards page.
Why New York New Jersey hosted the final
FIFA confirmed the final venue in February 2024 when it published the match schedule. MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, was among the largest venues available, with a tournament capacity of 80,663 according to FIFA. It is an open-air stadium; natural grass was installed for the tournament.
Tickets for the final
FIFA used variable (demand-based) pricing for 2026. At the start of sales in September 2025 the most expensive standard ticket for the final was listed at $6,730, and the Associated Press reported in April 2026 that the top price had risen to $10,990. Official match-day parking for the final was reported to have sold out months in advance.
Frequently asked questions
When was the 2026 World Cup final?
Sunday, 19 July 2026.
Where was the 2026 World Cup final played?
At New York New Jersey Stadium, the tournament name for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Who won the 2026 World Cup final?
Spain, who beat Argentina 1–0 after extra time with a goal from Ferran Torres.
Who finished third?
England, who beat France 6–4 in the third-place match in Miami on 18 July 2026.
Related articles
- All 2026 World Cup knockout results
- The 16 World Cup 2026 stadiums
- FIFA PASS and World Cup parking prices
