Argentina and Spain kick off World Cup final in New Jersey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final kicked off Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as defending champions Argentina took on Spain before a crowd of more than 80,000 in what many are calling the most anticipated match in recent tournament history.fifa+1

A Clash of Titans

Lionel Messi led Argentina onto the pitch seeking to become the first nation to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1958 and 1962. The 39-year-old captain, who inspired a dramatic semifinal comeback against England with two assists, carried the weight of a nation's hopes on his shoulders once more. Spain, unbeaten in 37 matches under manager Luis de la Fuente, arrived with its own generational talent in Lamine Yamal and the ambition of claiming only the country's second World Cup title.cbsnews+4

The match began at 3 p.m. ET at the venue FIFA has branded the New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament, with the eyes of billions watching worldwide.foxsports+1

Spectacle Before Kickoff

A closing ceremony preceding the final brought together an array of global entertainment figures. Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and YouTube star IShowSpeed performed, while Post Malone and Swae Lee also took the stage. Actor Tom Cruise made a special appearance. Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson delivered the United States national anthem.inside.fifa+2

Presidential Presence and Heavy Security

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the final, with Trump expected to present the trophy to the winning team alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The president's attendance prompted a dramatic security escalation around the stadium, with authorities effectively turning the venue into a fortress in the days leading up to the match, according to the Spanish outlet AS. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had confirmed Trump's attendance earlier in the week. Trump also hosted a FIFA World Cup reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday evening ahead of Sunday's final.as+3