The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be decided in extra time after Spain and Argentina played out a tense, goalless 90 minutes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match turned dramatically in the third minute of stoppage time when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a heavy challenge on Pau Cubarsi, reducing the defending champions to ten men for the additional period. Spain, who controlled possession and territory throughout, now hold a numerical advantage as they seek a first world title since 2010, while Argentina must regroup to keep their back-to-back crown hopes alive.

Spain’s tactical plan was evident from the opening whistle: suffocate Argentina’s build-up and pin Lionel Messi deep. Luis de la Fuente’s side, unchanged from the semi-final victory over France, dominated the ball with 65% possession in the first half and repeatedly probed down the right through Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro. The best early chance fell to Yamal in the fifth minute, but his low shot was blocked by Lisandro Martinez and smothered by Emiliano Martinez. Argentina, set up in a 4-4-2 with Nico Gonzalez drafted in to provide extra defensive cover on the left, struggled to connect with Messi, who touched the ball only twice in the opening 20 minutes—his lowest tally ever as a World Cup starter. Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella both tested Emiliano Martinez from distance before the break, but the score remained level.

The pattern continued after half-time, with Spain camped in Argentina’s half. Alex Baena forced a save within a minute of the restart, and Dani Olmo’s long-range effort was parried. Ferran Torres, on as a substitute, headed a Yamal cross straight at the goalkeeper, while Pedri and Pau Cubarsi were also denied by Emiliano Martinez, who made eight saves across the 90 minutes. Argentina’s attack was virtually non-existent; they failed to register a single shot on target, and Julian Alvarez was isolated. Scaloni introduced Leandro Paredes and later Giuliano Simeone in search of a foothold, but the midfield remained overrun.

The decisive flashpoint arrived deep in injury time. Fernandez, already booked, lunged into a 50-50 with Cubarsi near the centre circle, catching the defender high. Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic showed a second yellow, then red, leaving Argentina to navigate extra time a man short. The incident compounded a difficult night for the Albiceleste, who had already lost Lisandro Martinez to injury just before half-time, replaced by Nicolas Otamendi.

Both nations entered the final in imperious form. Spain arrived on a 37-match unbeaten run, having conceded only once all tournament, while Argentina had won all seven of their matches, scoring 19 goals. The final pits the reigning European champions against the Copa America holders, with Messi, at 39, seeking to cap his World Cup career with a second consecutive title, and 19-year-old Yamal aiming to announce a new era. The match now hinges on whether Spain can exploit their man advantage in extra time, or if Argentina’s resilience can carry them to a penalty shootout.