The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will take place today, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which is officially branded as "New York/New Jersey Stadium" for the tournament [2][3]. The match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, corresponding to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time for Los Angeles viewers [1][3]. This historic showdown features European champion Spain against defending champion Argentina, marking the first time these two nations have met in a World Cup final [2].
Argentina, the 2022 Qatar World Cup winner, is seeking its fourth title (1978, 1986, 2022) as Lionel Messi potentially plays his final World Cup [2]. Spain, aiming for its second title after winning in 2010, relies on 19-year-old standout Lamine Yamal and tournament top scorer Mikel Oyarzabal, who has netted five goals [2]. Both teams are expected to field their strongest lineups with no major injury concerns; Yamal played through a minor bruise in the semifinals but is confirmed fit to play by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente [2].
Spain is listed as a slight favorite with odds of +110, while Argentina carries odds of +125 for the match [1]. Expert predictions vary, with some analysts favoring Argentina to win 2-1 or 1-0 as Messi bows out on top, while others predict a Spain victory by scores of 2-1 or 3-1 [4][5]. The game will be broadcast on FOX in the United States and is available for free streaming via FOX One [3].
This final represents a rare opportunity for Argentina to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, a feat achieved only twice in history [5]. For the Korean-American community in Los Angeles, the 12 p.m. PT kickoff offers a convenient midday
