Another chapter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, and the biggest match in football (or soccer as we call it) is finally here! Argentina and Spain will go head-to-head for the trophy after two thrilling semifinal victories that had fans around the world on the edge of their seats. Spain continued their dominant streak by defeating France 2-0, while Argentina once again reminded the world why they never stop believing with another incredible comeback to defeat England 2-1. With Lionel Messi now one win away from leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles and teenage icon Lamine Yamal preparing for his very first World Cup final, the stage is officially set for one of the biggest matches in the history of the sport. Keep reading for a full recap of both semifinal matches and everything you need to know before the World Cup final this Sunday!
Spain continued their incredible World Cup run with a stunning 2-0 victory over France to secure their place in the final! From the opening whistle, Spain looked calm and in control, continuing to show why they have one of the strongest defenses in the tournament. They've allowed only one goal through in seven matches, an incredible achievement considering the powerhouse teams they've gone up against. At just 19 years old, Lamine Yamal continues to shine on the biggest stage, helping lead a talented Spanish squad that has now reached its first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010. They'll now have the chance to battle the defending champions, Argentina, in what is shaping up to be an unforgettable final match!
If Argentina has proven one thing throughout this World Cup, it's that you should never underestimate them! England seemed to be on their way to the final after Anthony Gordon gave them a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute, while Jordan Pickford made several big saves against Argentina. But just when it looked like England had secured their spot, Argentina performed another unbelievable comeback. Lionel Messi created the equalizer for Enzo Fernandez before setting up substitute Lautaro Martinez for a dramatic stoppage-time winner that sent them into another World Cup final. Martinez later revealed he had predicted the moment before entering the match, saying he told Alexis Mac Allister he was going to score the winning goal. At the final whistle, Messi dropped to his knees in celebration. The victory not only sends Argentina into back-to-back World Cup finals but also extends one of the most incredible records in tournament history, as Argentina has now won all six of their World Cup semifinal matches. While England experienced another heartbreaking defeat after once again losing a major tournament match from a winning position!
The stage is officially set as Argentina and Spain prepare to battle at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup final! It will be South America's best team against Europe's best team, with defending champions Argentina chasing history as they look to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cup titles. Spain enters the final as arguably the tournament's strongest defensive team after conceding only one goal in seven matches, while Argentina arrives with the most dangerous attack squad, leading the competition with 19 goals scored.
The final also features one of the most fascinating storylines in football, as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are set to face each other for the very first time after famously appearing together in a photo when Yamal was just a baby during a UNICEF charity event back in 2007. Beyond lifting the trophy, several individual awards are still up for grabs. Messi currently leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists, ahead of Kylian Mbappe who also has eight goals but only three assists. The Golden Ball for the tournament's best player and the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper will also be decided after the final whistle. Whether it's Messi potentially ending his legendary World Cup career with another title or Yamal announcing himself as soccer's new global icon, the finale is sure to be a thrilling end to what has already been one of the most exciting World Cups ever. The final match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET from MetLife Stadium, where one team will make history on the grandest stage!
Before the World Cup comes to an end, make sure to check out our 2026 FIFA World Cup collection! From official trading cards and sticker collections to must-have World Cup merchandise, we've got everything you need to remember this unforgettable tournament at SoccerCards.ca.
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