FIFA World Cup: 10 things to know before Spain-Argentina final in New York

The FIFA World Cup tournament culminates this Sunday with a championship match between Spain and Argentina in New York. Spain, as defending European champions, seeks to capture a second world title, having previously won the tournament 16 years ago. Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, aims to achieve back-to-back victories, an accomplishment only two nations have previously attained. A widely circulated photograph has captured public attention ahead of the final. The image shows a young Lionel Messi with infant Lamine Yamal during a UNICEF fundraising event at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium in 2007. At that time, Messi was 20 years old and Yamal was merely five months old, accompanied by his mother Sheila Ebana. Nearly two decades later, the two players now face each other in the championship match, a circumstance photographer Joan Monfort described to BBC Sport as "a true miracle of destiny." US President Donald Trump will attend the final, marking his first appearance at the tournament. He will jointly present the championship trophy alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the winning team's captain. Though Trump did not attend any tournament matches, he remained involved in proceedings. He personally requested that FIFA President Infantino review a red card decision against US striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA subsequently suspended Balogun's one-game suspension, permitting him to play in the quarterfinals, a decision that drew criticism for blurring the line between political influence and sporting integrity. Argentine President Javier Milei will not travel to New Jersey for the final, citing superstition. He plans to watch the match from his presidential residence, replicating his practice throughout Argentina's seven prior matches. He will also wear the same heavy jacket worn during each previous match. This reflects the cultural significance of ritualistic beliefs, known as "cabalas" in Latin America, particularly within Argentine society. Weather conditions in the New York area have been affected by smoke from Canadian wildfires, triggering health advisories. However, meteorologists expect a cold front to arrive over the weekend, dispersing the hazardous air in time for Sunday's match. Attendance is projected to exceed 80,000 spectators.