Spain and Argentina will face each other in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, bringing together the world's top two ranked nations in what promises to be one of the most compelling showpiece matches in the competition's history.

The tournament has already rewritten the record books before its final whistle. A cumulative attendance of 6,665,825 fans across 102 matches — an average of 65,351 per game and a 99.7% stadium occupancy rate — underlines the extraordinary appetite for this expanded, 48-team edition.

Goals, records, and individual brilliance

A total of 297 goals have been scored at an average of 2.91 per match, reflecting the attacking quality that has defined this edition. Three players have each scored seven or more goals for the first time in a single FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead the charts with eight apiece, while Erling Haaland has seven.

England teammates Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each netted six — another milestone with no precedent in FIFA World Cup history for two players from the same nation reaching that tally in a single tournament.

Messi, at 39 years and 21 days, became the oldest outfield player to appear in a semi-final. He has extended his all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record to 21 goals and holds the record for most appearances in the competition with 33. His legacy continues to grow with every match.

Spain's road to the final

Spain defeated France 2-0 in their semi-final, extending an unbeaten run in regular time that now stretches to 37 matches. They have conceded just one goal in seven games at FIFA World Cup 2026, keeping six clean sheets. It is only the second time in Spain's history that they have reached the final, following their 2010 triumph.

Argentina's pursuit of back-to-back titles

Argentina edged England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final, extending their unbeaten run in FIFA World Cup matches to 13. The defending champions have reached back-to-back finals, becoming only the sixth team in history to achieve that feat. Should they lift the trophy, they would become just the third nation — after Italy and Brazil — to win consecutive FIFA World Cup titles. Argentina have now advanced from all six semi-final ties in their history.