Spain and Argentina will battle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, as tournament organisers monitor air quality concerns caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada.
Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup, while Spain are chasing their second global title after lifting the trophy for the first time in 2010.
Tournament officials said they were closely tracking smoke drifting across parts of the United States ahead of the final.
“There’s been discussion about it, and we have somebody with the National Weather Service stationed at FIFA headquarters, so we’re monitoring the situation closely,” Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force, said during a media briefing.
More than 80,000 spectators are expected at the stadium, including United States President Donald Trump, who will attend his only match of the tournament.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is also expected at the final after accepting an invitation from Trump.
Speaking during a reception with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York on Friday, Trump described the World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada—as “perhaps the most successful sporting event in the history of the world.”
Rodri expects physical contest
Spain captain Rodri said he expects a demanding and physical encounter against Argentina but insisted his side would remain focused regardless of any attempts to unsettle them.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said the final would present a different challenge from any Spain had faced during the tournament.
“I think Sunday’s match will be quite different,” the Manchester City midfielder told reporters.
“It will be more physical, and we have to be ready for that. But one thing that defines this national team is our ability to adapt to different situations during a match.
“We can defend, counter-attack or dominate possession. We are a very complete team, and that’s why we’ve reached the final.”
Asked whether he expected Argentina to employ provocative tactics, Rodri responded: “Well, that’s part of football.”
Scaloni praises Messi
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged football fans to appreciate the opportunity to watch Messi lead his country in another World Cup final at the age of 39.
“He has made history. He is a legend,” Scaloni said of the former Barcelona captain, who inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
Sunday’s final is expected to cap the biggest World Cup ever staged, following FIFA’s expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams.
