New York: The stage is set for the biggest clash when it comes to football (or soccer in the US). The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will take place on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, pitting Europe’s top-ranked team, Spain, against South America’s No 1, Argentina.
FIFA has already confirmed US President Donald Trump’s attendance at the 2026 World Cup final. The US president is expected to present the trophy to the winning side.
Spain will look to add a second World Cup title to their collection, while Argentina want to collect a fourth trophy. Spain and Argentina last played each other in an international friendly on March 27, 2018, at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid. Spain won the match 6-1.
The World Cup final will be played at MetLife Stadium, home to two National Football League (NFL) teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. For the World Cup, the venue has temporarily been rebadged as New York-New Jersey Stadium.
This huge multipurpose stadium holds up to 82,500 spectators for football fixtures. The venue also hosted the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final and both semifinals.
For the first time in the event’s history, the World Cup final will have a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Entertainment stars such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay will perform.
Separately, the final kickoff will also be preceded by a closing ceremony. Entertainers such as Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger are expected to feature.
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Mamdani’s NYC Mural Project to celebrate FIFA final Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Groundswell Community Mural Project announced 12 community-designed murals in parks across all five boroughs to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup and leave a lasting legacy in New York City’s neighborhoods. This initiative — launched in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development — will transform public spaces into vibrant works of art created by young people, artists and community members. Together, the murals will celebrate the energy, creativity and community spirit that define New York City while creating welcoming public spaces that will remain long after the tournament ends. “These murals will belong to the neighborhoods that brought them to life—from Fordham Heights to Ocean Hill to Laurelton and communities across our city. Long after the final whistle of the World Cup, kids will walk past these walls and see something their families helped create,” said Mamdani. “That's how public art strengthens our sense of belonging and reflects the people who call their neighborhoods home. I'm grateful for this partnership and for the chance to leave something behind that will outlast the tournament itself,” he said. |
