FIFA World Cup final: Date, time, halftime show, prediction and Trump

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will showcase Europe's top-ranked team Spain against South America's leading outfit Argentina on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain seeks to add a second world title to their collection, while Argentina aim to secure a fourth trophy. The teams last faced each other in an international friendly on March 27, 2018, at Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano stadium, with Spain winning 6-1.

The match will commence at 3 p.m. local time, equivalent to 7 p.m. GMT. MetLife Stadium, which serves as home to the New York Giants and New York Jets of the National Football League, has been temporarily rebadged as New York-New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup. The venue holds capacity for 82,500 spectators during football fixtures and previously hosted the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final and both semifinals.

President Donald Trump's attendance has been confirmed by FIFA, with the US president expected to present the trophy to the winning team. For the first time in World Cup history, the final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Entertainment performers including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay will perform during an approximately 11-minute segment, with the halftime break potentially extending to 30 minutes. A closing ceremony beginning 90 minutes before kickoff will feature entertainers such as Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, and Nicole Scherzinger.

According to Opta's supercomputer analysis, Spain holds a 45.1 percent probability of winning in regulation time, while Argentina face a 29.4 percent chance of victory. The probability of the match extending to extra time or penalties stands at 25.4 percent. The next tournament will take place across Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with Madrid emerging as the frontrunner for hosting the final venue. As part of centenary celebrations marking the tournament's 100th anniversary, a special match between Argentina and Paraguay will be played in Uruguay, which hosted the inaugural tournament in 1930.