NEW JERSEY.– Spain and Argentina will face each other this Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a venue that officially adopted the name New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament.
The meeting will begin at 3:00 in the afternoon, New York and New Jersey time, a schedule that coincides with the Dominican Republic and much of the United States East Coast.
In addition to the match, the day will include a closing ceremony before the start of the game and the first official halftime show in a men’s World Cup final.
At what time?
World Cup Final
The match between Spain and Argentina will start at the following times:
- Dominican Republic: 3:00 p.m.
- New York, New Jersey and Miami: 3:00 p.m.
- Argentina: 4:00 p.m.
- Mexico City: 1:00 p.m.
- Colombia, Peru and Ecuador: 2:00 p.m.
- Venezuela: 3:00 p.m.
- Chile: 3:00 p.m.
- Peninsular Spain: 9:00 p.m.
- Canary Islands: 8:00 p.m.
- United Kingdom: 8:00 p.m.
The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin around 1:30 p.m., Dominican Republic and U.S. East Coast time, approximately an hour and a half before the start of the match.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup Final?
World Final
Streaming availability will depend on the country and agreements with the tournament rights holders.
In the United States, the match can be watched on Fox, in English, and on Telemundo, in Spanish. Spanish-language coverage will also be available through Peacock.
In the Dominican Republic, broadcasting rights were assigned to CDN, channel 37, and Pío Deportes. Viewers should check the programming of both signals and their digital platforms before the start of the coverage.
In Argentina, the final will be available on Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports, DSports, and Disney+ Premium, depending on the service subscribed to and the user’s location.
In Spain, it can be followed on La 1 de RTVE, RTVE Play, DAZN, and Movistar Plus.
In Mexico, the broadcast was announced on Televisa, TV Azteca, and ViX, while in other Latin American countries it will be available through national signals, DSports, and other authorized platforms.
It is recommended to connect well in advance, as the closing ceremony will begin before the match and some platforms may require an active subscription or authentication through a television provider.
Closing ceremony
The artistic programming will begin before Spain and Argentina take the field.
American rapper and singer Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony. Also participating will be:
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- Laura Pausini
- Nicole Scherzinger
- Robbie Williams
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- Tom Cruise
Singer Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem before the start of the game.
Tom Cruise’s participation has raised expectations, although the details of his involvement were not previously disclosed.
Halftime show
For the first time, a men’s World Cup final will feature a musical show during the halftime break.
The production was developed with the participation of Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay.
The announced artists and groups are:
- Madonna
- Shakira
- Justin Bieber
- BTS
- Burna Boy
- Coldplay
- Gustavo Dudamel
- PS22 Chorus
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will also participate, as part of a proposal aimed at a global and family audience.
The production will bring together pop, Latin music, K-pop, afrobeats, rock, and symphonic music, becoming one of the most ambitious musical shows ever performed within a World Cup.
What time will the 2026 World Final start?
The schedule will depend on the development of the first half and the added time.
If the match starts promptly at 3:00 PM and there are no prolonged interruptions, the show could begin between 3:50 and 4:00 PM, Dominican Republic time.
The artistic segment will last approximately 17 minutes. However, the total break will be longer due to the assembly and disassembly of the stage, the preparation of the pitch, and the players’ warm-up before the second half.
A charity show
The halftime show will also be linked to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting educational projects and football access programs for children and youth.
The fund seeks to raise 100 million dollars to finance actions related to education, inclusion, and child development.
FIFA intends for the spectacle to also serve as a platform to promote social initiatives to an international audience.
How long could it last?
If Spain or Argentina wins during the 90 minutes of regulation time, the match could conclude around 5:15 in the afternoon, taking into account the extended halftime, hydration breaks, and stoppage time.
If the tie persists, a 30-minute extra time period will be played and, if necessary, a penalty shootout. In that scenario, the outcome could occur after 6:00 PM, before the awards ceremony.
Subsequently, the medal ceremony, recognition of the referees, individual awards, and the presentation of the trophy to the champion will take place.
Spain seeks its second title
Spain will play the second World Cup final in its history. The national team won its first championship in South Africa 2010 by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 with a goal by Andrés Iniesta in extra time.
The Spanish team reached the final after overcoming Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France. In the semifinals, they defeated the French team 2-0.
The team features figures such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodri, and Nico Williams, members of a generation that also conquered the European Championship.
A victory would make Spain two-time world champions.
Argentina defends the crown
Argentina will play the final as the defending champion after winning the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The Albiceleste eliminated Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England. In the semifinals, they defeated the English team 2-1.
With Lionel Messi as the main figure, they will seek to win their fourth World Cup, following the titles obtained in 1978, 1986, and 2022.
It will also attempt to become the first national team to defend the championship since Brazil, which won consecutively in 1958 and 1962.
The final could also represent Messi’s last participation in a World Cup, as the Argentine captain is 39 years old.
Who will be the referee for the 2026 World Cup Final?
Slovenian Slavko Vinčić has been appointed to referee the final between Spain and Argentina.
He will be accompanied by a refereeing team from his same country and by those responsible for the video assistant referee system.
Main data
- Match: Spain vs. Argentina
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Time in Dominican Republic: 3:00 p.m.
- Closing ceremony: From approximately 1:30 p.m.
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium (New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament)
- Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
- Referee: Slavko Vinčić
- Halftime show: During the match break
- Broadcast in Dominican Republic: CDN 37 and Pío Deportes
- Broadcast in United States: Fox, Telemundo and Peacock
- Broadcast in Spain: La 1, RTVE Play, DAZN and Movistar Plus
- Broadcast in Argentina: Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports, DSports and Disney+ Premium
The World Final will close the largest tournament in the history of the World Cup, with 48 teams and matches played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Spain and Argentina will star in a final that will combine the sporting aspect with an unprecedented entertainment production, marked by the closing ceremony, the halftime show, and the anticipation of knowing the new world champion.
