Spain and Argentina are facing off tonight in the FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, USA. The match kicks off at 12:45 am Monday, Nepali time. Defending champions Argentina aim for their fourth title, while 2010 champions Spain look to end a 16-year trophy drought.
Second meeting between Yamal and Messi
The final features a spectacular showdown between superstar Lionel Messi and 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Both talents sharpened their skills at Barcelona's La Masia academy. This is their first time facing each other on the pitch, following a viral UNICEF photoshoot years ago when Yamal was an infant. Messi has played in six World Cups (2006–2026), scoring 21 total goals, including 8 in this edition. Meanwhile, Yamal scored once in Spain's 4–0 win against Saudi Arabia.
The road to the final
Spain topped Group H with 7 points, defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and drawing with Cape Verde. In the knockout stages, they routed Austria 3–0, edged Portugal 1–0, defeated Belgium 2–1, and eliminated heavyweights France 2–0 in the semifinals.
Argentina topped Group J after beating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Their knockout journey was thrilling: they overcame Cape Verde 3–2 in extra time, defeated Egypt 3–2 in a controversial Round of 16 match, beat Switzerland 3–1 in extra time, and secured their final spot with a 2–1 comeback win against England.
Head-to-head record
This is only their second World Cup meeting; Argentina won the first 2–1 in the 1966 group stage. Overall, their World Cup appearances sides are perfectly balanced across 14 matches, with 6 wins each and 2 draws.
Predicted lineups
Spain's Luis de la Fuente may deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation: Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Baena; Oyarzabal.
Argentina's Lionel Scaloni is expected to use a 4-1-3-2 setup: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez.
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