World Cup 2026: Argentina and Spain Book Final Showdown After Semi-Final Drama

The 2026 World Cup final is set after a dramatic week of semi-final football across North America. Argentina booked their place in Sunday's final by edging past England, coming from behind after Lionel Messi turned provider on the right flank to set up the goals that sent the reigning champions through. It denied England a first men's World Cup final appearance in six decades, and manager Thomas Tuchel has since received public backing from the Football Association despite the disappointing exit. Argentina's celebrations were not without controversy, with the squad facing the possibility of disciplinary action after displaying a banner referencing the Falkland Islands during their pitch-side celebrations.

In the other semi-final, Spain continued their impressive run through the tournament by beating France in commanding fashion, ending the hopes of Kylian Mbappe and his teammates and booking a first World Cup final appearance for the Spanish since 2010. Spain have often been overlooked among the pre-tournament favourites, but their collective, controlled style of play has now carried them past some of the individually star-studded sides left in the competition.

With the semi-finals complete, attention turns to the closing weekend of the tournament. England and France will meet in the third-place play-off on Saturday, while Sunday brings the final itself, pitting defending champions Argentina against a Spain side chasing a first World Cup title in sixteen years. Both matches are scheduled to be shown live, bringing an eventful month of football in the United States, Mexico and Canada to a close.