​The 2026 World Cup will come to a dramatic conclusion on July 19, when reigning champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faces Spain in the championship match. Argentina advanced to the final after a stunning 2-1 comeback over England in the semifinals on July 15. England looked set to hold on after taking the lead in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández found the equalizer in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez delivered the decisive stoppage-time winner in the second minute of stoppage time, sealing a remarkable turnaround for the South Americans.
Spain, the 2024 European champions, reached the final by knocking out France with a 2-0 victory on July 14. Despite Kylian Mbappé sitting tied with Messi for the Golden Boot on eight goals, Mbappé was limited to three shots, none on target, as Spain dominated the midfield. An early penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal set the tone, allowing Spain to control the tempo for the remainder of the game and secure a commanding win to send them to the final.
In the anticipated final, Messi at 39 years old would be aiming to cap his storied career with another World Cup triumph, while Spain’s breakout star Lamine Yamal, only 19, looks to assert himself on soccer’s biggest stage. The matchup promises a clash of generations, with Messi’s vast experience against the youthful energy and flair of Yamal.
For fans in Columbus, there are additional preparations and viewing plans as the World Cup wraps up this weekend. A photo from Arlington, Texas, on June 27 shows Messi in action during Argentina’s Group J match against Jordan at Dallas Stadium, a reminder of the tournament’s expansive travel footprint and global reach.
The final is scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Broadcasting details include FOX for the English-language feed and Telemundo for the Spanish-language feed. Streaming options include FOX One, Fubo, and Peacock, with the Telemundo broadcast also accessible via Peacock for subscribers.
In Columbus, fans can join a dedicated World Cup final viewing event hosted by the Columbus Crew during the game. The Crew will stage a “Soccer Celebration” at Chase Plaza and Condado Tacos, just outside of the team’s home stadium, with gates opening at 1:30 p.m. for the 3 p.m. kickoff. The event is free to attend, and attendees can watch the final on three outdoor LED screens as well as on televisions inside Condado Tacos. Local food trucks will offer a variety of options, and attendees are encouraged to bring clear plastic water bottles, portable fans, and cooling towels. Refillable water stations will be available on-site to keep fans comfortable throughout the match.
Tickets for the Columbus viewing party are free and can be reserved through the event link provided by the organizers. The spectacle promises a festive atmosphere as fans gather to celebrate the sport and bid farewell to the tournament with one final thrilling match.
As bettors look ahead, BetMGM’s odds on July 16 place Spain as +130 for a regular-time result, with a draw at +200 and Argentina at +240. To lift the trophy, Spain sits at -165 while Argentina is at +120, reflecting the close but favorable outlook for a Spanish victory.
Beyond the final, the tournament will also feature a placement game to determine the third-placed nation, pitting France against England in a high-stakes clash to close out the World Cup’s weekend slate. The stage is set for an unforgettable end to the 2026 World Cup, with two footballing powerhouses ready to crown a new or returning champion in a finale that will be etched into World Cup lore.