The stage is set for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 final after Spain and Argentina booked their places in Sunday’s showpiece following dramatic semi-final victories.
Spain became the first team to secure a place in the final after edging Belgium 2-1 in a tightly contested semi-final. First-half goals from Fabian Ruiz and a dramatic late winner from Mikel Merino proved enough to send La Roja into their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
Belgium had drawn level through Charles De Ketelaere, but Spain’s persistence paid off in the closing stages.
Argentina followed by producing another remarkable comeback to eliminate England 2-1.
The defending champions fell behind to Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener before Enzo Fernandez restored parity in the 85th minute.
Lisandro Martinez then struck deep into stoppage time to complete the turnaround and send Lionel Scaloni’s side into a second consecutive World Cup final.
The final now sets up a mouth-watering clash between two of world football’s biggest nations.
Argentina will be aiming to successfully defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022, while Spain are chasing a second World Cup crown and their first in 16 years.
The encounter is also expected to provide one of the tournament’s biggest individual battles, with veteran captain Lionel Messi leading Argentina against Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has dazzled throughout the competition with a string of match-winning performances.
Both nations head into the final unbeaten in the knockout rounds, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most anticipated World Cup finals in recent history as football prepares to crown a new world champion.
