Spain and Argentina Set for 2026 World Cup Final as Lineups Announced
NHK News Japan reports that starting lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final have been released ahead of the 04:00 local time kickoff, pitting second-ranked Spain against first-ranked Argentina.
The starting lineups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina have been announced by NHK News Japan, with the match scheduled to commence at 04:00 local time on 20 July 2026. The publication notes that the content is being updated in real-time, reflecting the dynamic nature of the event coverage.
Spain, currently ranked second in the world, is pursuing its first World Cup title since 2010, having appeared in four tournaments. Argentina, ranked first, aims to become only the third nation in history to win consecutive World Cup titles, having previously triumphed in 1978, 1986, and 2022.
Argentina secured its place in the final by defeating England 2-1 in the semi-final in Atlanta on 15 July 2026. The victory, which saw goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, advanced the South American side to face Spain in the ultimate showdown.
Jurgen Klopp, currently serving as a pundit for MagentaTV, is present at the World Cup in New York and will attend the final. While he has not yet confirmed his status publicly during the broadcast, the German Football Association (DFB) has moved swiftly to finalise arrangements to appoint him as the national team coach, with talks focused on fine-tuning contract terms that require formal approval.
The match represents a significant juncture for both nations, with Spain seeking to end a four-tournament drought for the title and Argentina aiming to emulate Brazil’s back-to-back victories in the 1950s. Lionel Messi, aged 39, is tied for the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals, adding another layer of historical significance to the contest.
