World Cup 2026 · Day 38
One day to the final: Spain go in as favourites against holders Argentina, as England and France meet today for third place
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set for Sunday 19 July at MetLife Stadium, with previews casting Spain as favourites after a knockout run in which they conceded once, while Argentina chase back-to-back titles. England play France for third place in Miami today, Saturday 18 July. Five verified stories.
18 July 2026 · WorldCuply.com daily news archive
Third Place TodayEngland meet France in Miami at 5 p.m. ET, with Golden Boot goals still on the line
England play France in the third place match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami today, Saturday 18 July at 5 p.m. ET (10 p.m. BST), per FIFA, Al Jazeera and NBC. The game airs on Fox and Telemundo in the US. Both reached this match through semi-final defeats, England 2-1 to Argentina and France 2-0 to Spain. Because it is a sanctioned World Cup game, any goals count toward the Golden Boot, giving France's Kylian Mbappe a chance to add to his tally a day before the final.
Sources: FIFA · Al Jazeera · NBC
Final PreviewOne day out: Spain go into Sunday's final as favourites against holders Argentina, with about 82,000 expected at MetLife
With a day to go, previews cast Spain as favourites for the 2026 World Cup final against holders Argentina at MetLife Stadium on Sunday 19 July at 3 p.m. ET, with roughly 82,000 fans expected, per ESPN, Yahoo Sports and Forbes. Spain reached the final having conceded just once in the knockout rounds and beat France 2-0 in the semi-final. Argentina came from a goal down to beat England 2-1, Lionel Messi assisting both goals and Lautaro Martinez heading a stoppage-time winner.
Sources: ESPN · Yahoo Sports · Forbes
Golden BootMessi and Mbappe tied on eight goals going into the final weekend, with Messi ahead on the assist tiebreaker
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe enter the final weekend tied on eight goals in the Golden Boot race, with Messi in front because he has more assists (four to three), per ESPN, Fox Sports and Yahoo Sports. FIFA's tiebreaker ranks players by goals, then assists, then fewest minutes played. Mbappe can respond in the third place match on Saturday, while Messi and Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal, on five goals, remain in the mix in Sunday's final.
Sources: ESPN · Fox Sports · Yahoo Sports
StorylineA clash of eras and holders: Messi's last World Cup against Yamal, European champions against Copa America holders
The final is billed as a meeting of generations, with 39-year-old Lionel Messi, in what he has said is his last World Cup, facing 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, per ESPN, Central Jersey and Goal. It also pairs the European champions, Spain, against the Copa America holders, Argentina. Spain are chasing a first title since 2010, while Argentina are bidding to become the first side to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
Sources: ESPN · Central Jersey · Goal
Halftime & TicketsFinal day logistics: a halftime show billed with Shakira and BTS, and tickets only through FIFA's official portal
Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium is set to feature a halftime show, with Shakira and BTS among the billed performers, per MetLife Stadium and ticketing listings. FIFA warns fans that seats are sold only through its official Ticket Portal and Resale Marketplace to avoid counterfeits, with face-value upper-deck seats starting around 1,200 dollars and resale averages far higher. Organisers advise arriving early for security screening at a tournament final.
Sources: MetLife Stadium · FIFA · Vivid Seats