The 2026 World Cup concludes July 19 with reigning champion Argentina and Lionel Messi taking on Spain in the championship match.
In the semifinals, Argentina stunned England with a 2-1 comeback on July 15. England led from the 55th minute until Enzo Fernandez’s goal in the 85th minute. The game-winner from Lautaro Martinez was scored in the second minute of stoppage time.
Spain, the 2024 European Champions, shocked France with a 2-0 shutout victory July 14. Kylian Mbappe, tied with Messi in the Golden Boot race with eight goals, was held to three shots without one on target. Spain controlled the midfield and an early penalty shot goal from Mikel Oyarzabal allowed Spain to control the pace of the rest of the game.
The World Cup final will feature Argentina’s Messi, 39, one of the greatest soccer stars in history, and a budding superstar in Spain’s 19-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Here’s what Columbus fans need to know about the conclusion of the World Cup this weekend.
When is the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina?
The 2026 World Cup final is at 3 p.m. July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How to watch 2026 World Cup final, Spain vs. Argentina
Date: July 19
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, Telemundo (Spanish broadcast)
Streaming: FOX One, Fubo, Peacock
The 2026 World Cup final between France and Argentina will air on FOX for the English broadcast and Telemundo for the Spanish broadcast. Streaming options for the FOX broadcast include Fox One. Peacock subscribers can watch the Telemundo broadcast.
Where to watch World Cup final in Columbus
The Columbus Crew will host a “Soccer Celebration” watch party of the World Cup final at Chase Plaza and Condado Tacos just outside of ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Gates for the event open at 1:30 p.m. July 19 for the 3 p.m. game.
Tickets for the event are free and can be claimed using this link. The Crew will have three outdoor LED screens for viewing the game outside, along with TVs in Condado Tacos. Food and beverages are available from local food trucks, but fans are encouraged to bring clear plastic water bottles, portable fans and/or cooling towels. Water bottles can be refilled inside the grounds at refilling stations.
2026 World Cup Final odds
Odds via BetMGM on July 16
Match result (regular time): Spain +130, Tie +200, Argentina +240
To lift the trophy: Spain -165, Argentina +120
Interested in watching the World Cup third-place match? Here’s how
Though not as grand as the final, France and England will suit up once more this weekend to determine the third-place finisher at the World Cup.
A third-place finish comes with a bigger prize check and more FIFA ranking points than finishing fourth. The third-place finisher earns $30 million, and a fourth-place finish earns $28 million. (A championship brings $50 million, and the loser Sunday receives $33 million.)
Date: July 18
Time: 5 p.m. ET
TV: FOX, Telemundo (Spanish broadcast)
Streaming: FOX One, Fubo, Peacock
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Where to watch Lionel Messi, Argentina vs Spain in World Cup final
Reporting by Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Aulbach, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
