Record-Breaking Goals, Upsets, and Folk Heroes Define 2026 Tournament
Record goals, stunning upsets, and folk heroes dominated 2026 World Cup history.
Event / Sports
The 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament, featuring matches, results, and related developments from the competition.
2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Jul, 22:53 UTC
Follow the documented timeline or explore the related reporting.
Argentina scored three goals in 13 minutes during the Round of 16 against Egypt to overcome a 2-0 second-half deficit and secure a 3-2 victory. The comeback preserved Argentina's World Cup hopes in the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match will be broadcast on FOX and Telemundo in the United States, and streamed on FOX One and Peacock.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will feature the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19, 2026. The performance will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS, with additional performances by Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and New York's PS22 Chorus.
Spain and Argentina advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after winning their respective semifinal matches. Spain defeated France 2-0 in Dallas on July 14, while Argentina defeated England 2-1 in Atlanta on July 15. The final match is scheduled for July 19, 2026.
Argentina seeks to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles. If successful, Argentina would become only the third country overall to win back-to-back World Cups, joining Brazil and Italy, which won in 1934 and 1938.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament commenced on June 11 when co-host Mexico played against South Africa in Mexico City. The following day, the United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match.
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinal on July 14 in Dallas. Spain scored a penalty kick in the 22nd minute when French defender Lucas Digne fouled Spanish player Lamine Yamal on a cross, and Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty. Pedro Porro doubled Spain's lead in the 58th minute with an assist from Dani Olmo.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has scored eight goals and provided four assists in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. Messi is tied with France's Kylian Mbappé for the tournament lead in goals scored. This may be Messi's final World Cup appearance.
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal on July 15 in Atlanta. England opened scoring in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina equalized when Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martinez scored the winning goal in the 92nd minute after receiving a pass from Messi, completing Argentina's comeback.
Spain has not trailed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, opening with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde and then winning six consecutive matches. Spain has conceded only one goal throughout the entire tournament, which was scored by Belgium in the quarterfinals before Spain won that match 2-1.
France's Kylian Mbappé is tied with Argentina's Lionel Messi at eight goals for the tournament lead in goal-scoring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mbappé and Messi are among the all-time top scorers in FIFA World Cup history.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has emerged as a breakout performer for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Yamal was not born when Lionel Messi played in his first World Cup in 2006, but now has the opportunity to compete against the Argentina superstar in the final.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off with a red card in stoppage time of the 2026 World Cup Final against Spain.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez recorded ten saves against Spain in the 2026 World Cup Final, the most saves by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final since record-keeping began in 1966. Martinez made a crucial save of a Lamine Yamal free kick in stoppage time to send the match to extra time, keeping it scoreless through regulation.
Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez was substituted off in the 44th minute of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final against Spain due to an apparent leg injury. Nicolas Otamendi replaced him. Martinez had won 100% of his tackles and aerial duels during the tournament and was a crucial player for Argentina, having started all but one match in the World Cup.
Lisandro Martinez held up a banner following Argentina's 2-1 semi-final victory over England in the 2026 World Cup that claimed Argentina owned the Falklands. FIFA's independent disciplinary committee is currently assessing the incident and considering potential disciplinary action.
Spain advanced to the World Cup final by defeating France 2-0 in the semifinals. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first-half penalty and Pedro Porro added a second goal shortly after halftime. Spain conceded just one goal throughout the knockout stages of the tournament.
President Donald Trump attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026. During a pre-match interview, Trump stated that he requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to allow the United States to host the World Cup again, saying the request should be made while he is in office.
Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final as a seven-time finalist, having previously won three World Cup titles in 1978, 1986, and 2022. Spain reached the final for the second time, with their first appearance being in 2010 when they won the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup final was the 15th meeting between Spain and Argentina dating back to 1952. Prior to the final, Spain and Argentina each had six wins and two draws in their series. The only previous World Cup meeting between the nations occurred in 1966 during the group stage, when Argentina defeated Spain 2-1. In the most recent friendly encounter before the final, Spain defeated Argentina 6-1 in 2018 at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.
Record goals, stunning upsets, and folk heroes dominated 2026 World Cup history.
US to host Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Women's World Cup across 2028-2034.
Trump administration restricts World Cup entry for select nations while announcing tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Trump requested FIFA review a referee call; FIFA reversed the red card against Balogun.
Trump presents World Cup trophy as Spain defeats Argentina in New Jersey final.
Spain defeats Argentina in 2026 World Cup final with dominant defensive performance and one tournament goal conceded.
FIFA debuts halftime entertainment at World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Spain and Argentina advance to World Cup final; Spain unbeaten, Argentina defending champion.
2026 World Cup drew record 6.6 million spectators across US host cities.
Spain's 37-match unbeaten run faces Argentina's 14-game knockout winning streak in statistical championship clash.
Argentine defender Martinez displayed a Falklands sovereignty banner during World Cup celebrations in Buenos Aires.
Lisandro Martinez injured, Emiliano Martinez breaks save record, Enzo Fernandez sent off in final.