That's a wrap for our coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Spain are world champions once again, and deservedly so, dominating the final against Argentina. And thus, the longest-ever FIFA World Cup comes to an end. 48 teams, 104 games, 1 champion!

Thank you for joining us on NDTV Sports today and throughout the tournament. Do stay tuned as we bring you all the live updates from sporting events across the globe. Goodnight!

Rodri lifts the World Cup high into the New Jersey sky! Spain are World Cup winners once again, and much like in 2008 and 2010, they've won the Euros and the World Cup back-to-back. Are we seeing a dynasty being built in front of our very eyes? A special moment for manager Luis de la Fuente, who has won almost everything as a coach in youth level, and now added the final gem to his cabinet.

Argentina walk up to the stage to collect the silver medals. Lionel Messi finally lets a tear out. But he need not. The man who succumbed under the pressure of living up to Diego Maradona's legacy for many years, has not only matched it but probably surpassed it. Is this the last time that we'll see arguably football's greatest on the international stage? 

The biggest awards of FIFA World Cup 2026 go to Spain. 19-year-old centre-back Pau Cubarsi wins the 'Young Player of the Tournament' award, goalkeeper Unai Simon wins the 'Golden Glove' award, and midfield general Rodri wins the 'Golden Ball' award for the best player of the tournament, beating Messi to the award.

Spain set the record for the least goals conceded en route to winning the FIFA World Cup. Just one goal conceded all tournament. Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ousmane Dembele: all failed. The only goalscorer? Belgium's Charles de Ketelaere in the quarter-final!

1 - #Spain solo ha encajado un gol durante el #Mundial 2026.

Es el registro mas bajo de cualquier campeona en la historia del torneo.

Imbatibles. pic.twitter.com/0QgP9Gopw6

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 19, 2026

Andres Iniesta sealed FIFA World Cup glory for Spain for the first time in 2010 with a 116th-minute winner in the final against Netherlands. Ferran Torres now writes his name alongside Iniesta's in the history books. A cracking left-footed finish in the 106th minute today!

Argentina came into the game with the chance of becoming the first team to win four consecutive major trophies, and also defend their World Cup crown. However, those dreams have been cut short. It has been a sensational journey for Lionel Messi and co., with dramatic comebacks in almost every knockout match. But it's wasn't meant to be on the day of the final.

FULL TIME! SPAIN ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS! After a gruelling 125 minutes, Spain are FIFA World Cup winners for the second time. The class of 2026 have done it. Heartbreak for Lionel Messi and Argentina, their reign comes to an end. Ferran Torres' 106th-minute goal will go down in history!

FT | ARG 0-1 ESP

Corner in from the right flank, Spain clear once, the rebound falls for Giuliano Simeone on the half volley, but he shoots it over the bar! Head in hands for the young winger, was that the last chance?

120 1' ARG 0-1 ESP

Messi plays a cheeky pass forward down the right, Molina whips in a sharp low cross, Senesi was arriving with force, but Spain somehow clear it out!

120' ARG 0-1 ESP

Ferran Torres is sent through on goal, and he puts it in the back of the net again, but the linesman's flag is up! Ferran caught offside, very, very narrowly.

113' ARG 0-1 ESP

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL! FERRAN TORRES FOR SPAIN! Finally, after 106 minutes, Spain take the lead! Pedro Porro floats it into the box, Nico's header hits the post, and the rebound is hammered home with his left foot by Ferran!

Argentina's resistance ends. Spain score on their 20th attempt!

106' ARG 0-1 ESP

The first half of extra time comes to an end. It is still 0-0 in New Jersey. Spain are the only team attacking, but Argentina are somehow holding on. They seem to be playing for penalties. Messi is the only Argentine attacker on the pitch. 

105' ARG 0-0 ESP

Brilliant cross by Nico Williams from the left, it's a header by Merino in the box, but it goes just wide! Great chance for Spain, another scare survived by Argentina. Nico and Merino have been very involved since coming on.

103' ARG 0-0 ESP

SPAIN GOAL RULED OUT! A scrambled pass from the right, Emiliano Martinez is out of position, and Nico Williams slots it into an empty net. But the referee rules it out! He calls a foul as Mikel Merino had put a foot on Otamendi. A VAR check goes on in the background, but the decision stands. NO GOAL!

96' ARG 0-0 ESP

Here we go! 30 more minutes of football in front of us. For the third time in five World Cup finals, the match is goalless after regulation time. Spain have the big advantage of being a man up, can they make it count?

91' ARG 0-0 ESP

90 minutes are up! Argentina and Spain are STILL all square. Argentina have taken just one shot, and they have Emiliano Martinez to thank, as he has made 10 saves! We are going to have 30 more minutes of action.

End of 90 | ARG 0-0 ESP

Emi Martinez denies Lamine Yamal! A free-kick for Spain on the edge of the box, Yamal shoots it towards the top-right corner, but Martinez makes a sensational diving save. Surely the match is going to extra time now.

90 8' ARG 0-0 ESP

RED CARD, ARGENTINA! Enzo Fernandez charges in towards Pau Cubarsi, and fouls the Spanish centre-back. It's a second yellow for Enzo, and he is off! A red card for Argentina in injury time, they are down to 10 men!

Interestingly, Lionel Messi also appealed for Marc Cucurella to be sent off due to the latter covering his mouth in conversation. But the referee does not show him a red.

90 3' ARG 0-0 ESP

Ferran Torres and Pau Cubarsi have had good shots on goal, Pedri and Lamine Yamal have created a few decent chances, but the goal continues to evade Spain. We are into the final minute of regulation time, and Argentina are still holding on.

4 minutes added on. Extra time looms large.

90' ARG 0-0 ESP

For the first time since 1966, Argentina failed to take a single shot in the first half of a FIFA World Cup match. It has been a poor game for the reigning champions, but crucially, they're still alive.

0 - Argentina no tuvo remates en el primer tiempo de la final ante Espana. Es la primera vez en la competencia, donde promediaba cuatro remates por partido en la primer etapa. Esperar. pic.twitter.com/M2zuMiGIxH

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) July 19, 2026

For the first time in the entire World Cup, a team has gone till the second hydration break without registering a shot on goal. Lionel Messi and co. have been toothless today, but they're still even with Spain when it comes to the scoreline. But for how long?

70' ARG 0-0 ESP

Spain make a double substitution: Ferran Torres and Pedri come on for Mikel Oyarzabal and Fabian Ruiz. Moments later, Dani Olmo takes a shot, but Emi Martinez makes an excellent save! A while later, Yamal delivers a cross from the right wing, Ferran heads it goalwards, but Martinez collects.

Time for the second hydration break. Spain threatening! Martinez has had to make five saves now.

67' ARG 0-0 ESP

Argentina lose possession in their own half again, Oyarzabal gets a chance in the box but Argentina defend. Moments later, Spain attack into the box down the right, it's a cutback from Olmo, Cucurella tried to meet the cross but Enzo Fernandez cleared it in the nick of time.

55' ARG 0-0 ESP

It's getting heated in the middle! Rodri goes down in an off-the-ball incident, and that leads to some pushing between some Spain and Argentina players. Dani Olmo also ends up going down in the scuffle, and the referee takes action by showing a yellow card to Paredes. 

Not great for Paredes, who gets booked just a few minutes after coming on.

50' ARG 0-0 ESP

We are back! The second half is underway in the FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Argentina make one change; defensive midfielder Leandro Paredes replaces winger Nico Gonzalez.

And Argentina lose possession in their own half twice in the matter of seconds! Alex Baena cuts in and takes a shot, but Emiliano Martinez grasps it well. 

46' ARG 0-0 ESP

After electrifying performances from BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira, the half time show comes to an end at the New York New Jersey Stadium. A historic moment, as the first-ever half time show in a FIFA World Cup final takes place!

And now the Queen of FIFA World Cup anthems takes centre stage. It's none other than Shakira! She performs 'Dai Dai', the official anthem of the World Cup, along with Burna Boy.

The half time show begins at New Jersey! BTS takes centre stage first up. And now, it's time for Justin Bieber, who is dazzling us with a guitar solo!

HALF TIME! Four minutes of added time passes in a flash. Argentina and Spain all square at 0-0. Spain have been the dominant side and created more chances, but Argentina will be glad that the scores are still even.

Time for the half-time show!

HT | ARG 0-0 ESP

Oh dear! It's the end of the game for Lisandro Martinez. Moments after picking up a yellow card, Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez is down in the box, injured. He signals to the dugout to be substituted. Nicolas Otamendi comes on. 

45' ARG 0-0 ESP

Marc Cucurella fires just wide! Perhaps Spain's most involved player of the first half bombs forward once again and takes a powerful low shot, but it goes wide of goal.

43' ARG 0-0 ESP

First yellow card of the game! Lisandro Martinez lunges in on Oyarzabal in a desperate attempt to stop a Spain counter-attack. The referee shows no hesitation in showing a yellow.

41' ARG 0-0 ESP

Another good chance for Spain! Lovely build-up from the left by Spain, Baena to Fabian, who sends it towards the edge of the box. Olmo dummies it for Oyarzabal to shoot, but it's straight at Emiliano Martinez.

39' ARG 0-0 ESP

Argentina win a free-kick on the left flank after Mac Allister is fouled. However, nothing emerges out of the set-piece. Moments later, Spain attack down the left and Marc Cucurella fizzes in a low cross that's blocked by Argentina's defence. Cucurella was offside.

35' ARG 0-0 ESP

Nearly a massive error by Pau Cubarsi! A slightly sloppy backpass from Cubarsi, and Julian Alvarez was pressing hard, but Unai Simon anticipated the danger first and distributed the ball calmly to the other side.

27' ARG 0-0 ESP

Time for the first hydration break. Spain have enjoyed 63% possession so far, with Lamine Yamal having the biggest chance of the match. On the other hand, Argentina have failed to break Spain down even once. Messi has been anonymous so far, just six touches for him.

A game of chess at the moment in New Jersey. Neither side particularly creating any clear-cut chances, instead they're waiting for the right time to attack. Lionel Messi has not been involved heavily so far. 

20' ARG 0-0 ESP

Alexis Mac Allister slides in to try and dispossess Dani Olmo, but ends up catching the Spanish midfielder on the foot. Olmo goes down and his cry is audible. The referee calls a foul, but keeps his card inside his pocket.

15' ARG 0-0 ESP

Spain are enjoying possession, as expected, and also creating the early chances. A corner for Spain from the right wing, the ball is whipped in to Olmo in the box, but Spain don't manage to create a threatening opportunity.

12' ARG 0-0 ESP

Huge opportunity for Lamine Yamal! Yamal plays it inwards, the pass takes a deflection and reaches Olmo, who lays it back for Yamal. The teenager darts into the box and takes a shot at goal, but fails to score!

Moments later, Argentina look to come on the counter, but Unai Simon rushes out of goal and clears the danger!

5' ARG 0-0 ESP

WE ARE LIVE! The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is underway. Spain in their classic red jerseys and blue shorts, Argentina in their iconic white and sky blue stripes. Here we go!

1' ARG 0-0 ESP

Once again, here are the starting lineups for Argentina and Spain:

Spain XI: Unai Simon (GK) | Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella | Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo | Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena

Argentina XI: Emiliano Martinez (GK) | Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico | Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo de Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez | Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez

SPAIN vs ARGENTINA

Starting XI's confirmed for World Cup final! pic.twitter.com/7CYOxrUKKD

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 19, 2026

Now it's time for the national anthems. First, Spain's anthem, and then Argentina's. The New York New Jersey Stadium is packed to the rafters. We are just moments away from live football action!

Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning legend Mario Kempes and Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning icon Andres Iniesta raise the World Cup trophy up high, ahead of the start of the match. And now, American actor Tom Cruise has taken centre stage, and he delivers a speech to mark the start of the final!

We are just about 15 minutes away from the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final! In just a few minutes, the Spanish and Argentine players will take centre stage at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Stay tuned for all the live updates!

Lionel Messi is set to become the first player to captain his side in three World Cup finals. In 2014, Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany in extra time. In Qatar 2022, Argentina beat France on penalties after the two sides were tied 3-3 at the end of extra time.

So, it is confirmed. Lionel Messi will become the oldest outfield player to play a FIFA World Cup final. He also becomes the first person to start in three World Cup finals!

Argentina XI vs Spain: Here's the Argentina starting lineup announced by Lionel Scaloni to take on Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Three big changes, confirming earlier reports. Out go Molina, Paredes and Simeone; in come Montiel, De Paul and Nico Gonzalez. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez in attack; Lautaro Martinez will come off the bench.

#FIFAWorldCup

Once inicial confirmado!

Asi formara #Argentina para la final ante #Espana

​Alentemos todos juntos en este ultimo paso! pic.twitter.com/PstmprUp7f

— Seleccion Argentina (@Argentina) July 19, 2026

Several social media users are criticising the short closing ceremony, which concluded only after two performances, by IShowSpeed and Post Malone respectively. The likes of Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, who were expected to perform, did not take centre stage.

All the closing ceremony stuff removed from the pitch. Not quite sure if it has been cut short, but thousands of people here have paid thousands of dollars specifically to see Robbie Williams. There's going to be hell to pay.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) July 19, 2026

IShowSpeed's performance concludes, and now it's time for Post Malone! Along with him, rapper Swae Lee also joins the stage, and the duo perform the popular song 'Sunflower'! And that performance wraps up the closing ceremony. More to come in the half-time show!

Here we go! The closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is on! IShowSpeed takes centre stage first up, singing one of the anthems of the World Cup. Speed is in all white, surrounded by a number of dancers in vibrant coloured-dresses.

According to reputed journalist Gaston Edul, Lionel Scaloni has made three massive changes to Argentina's starting XI for the FIFA World Cup final against Spain. Out go right-back Nahuel Molina, midfielder Leandro Paredes and winger Giuliano Simeone. In come Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo de Paul and Nico Gonzalez!

Spain XI vs Argentina: Here's the Spain starting lineup announced by Luis de la Fuente to take on Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. It's an identical XI to the one that started the quarter-final and semi-final, meaning star midfieder Pedri remains on the bench. Lamine Yamal up front with Mikel Oyarzabal!

| Recordad sus nombres.

Este es nuestro para la .#VamosEspana | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/qb5HVPeOXl

— Seleccion Espanola Masculina de Futbol (@SEFutbol) July 19, 2026

We are about 20 minutes away from the scheduled start of the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony. Post Malone and IShowSpeed will be among the headline attractions in the ceremony, which will also feature a number of high-profile singers and pop stars.

Spain were the pre-tournament favourites for many, and they've lived up to the hype. While they haven't been at their attacking best, defensively, Spain have conceded just one goal all tournament, setting the record for the most consecutive minutes without a goal conceded in that period.

Group H, Game 1: 0-0 draw vs Cape Verde
Group H, Game 2: 4-0 win vs Saudi Arabia
Group H, Game 3: 1-0 win vs Uruguay

Round of 32: 3-0 win vs Austria
Round of 16: 1-0 win vs Portugal
Quarter-Final: 2-1 win vs Belgium
Semi-Final: 2-0 win vs France

Argentina's road to the FIFA World Cup final has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After comfortably winning the group, Argentina have faced a big hurdle in every single knockout game. Twice, they've had to win it in extra-time, and the other two times, they've had to comeback from one or more goals down!

Group J, Game 1: 3-0 win vs Algeria
Group J, Game 2: 2-0 win vs Austria
Group J, Game 3: 3-1 win vs Jordan

Round of 32: 3-2 win vs Cape Verde (a.e.t.)
Round of 16: 3-2 win vs Egypt
Quarter-Final: 2-1 win vs Switzerland (a.e.t.)
Semi-Final: 2-1 win vs England

Argentina icon Lionel Messi can achieve a number of personal and team-related records in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final today. He is set to be the oldest outfielder to start a World Cup final, and the first player to start in three World Cup finals. A goal would see him become the oldest final scorer and become the Argentine with the most goals in a single World Cup. And if Argentina win, Messi would become the first player to win the World Cup twice as captain.

For the first time ever in a FIFA World Cup final, there will be a half-time show, as America brings its entire flavour into the biggest stage of world sport. Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS are all set to dazzle in the blockbuster half-time show. This means, the half-time may be longer than the usual 15 minutes.

Before the final, all eyes are on the blockbuster closing ceremony that will take place. Post Malone will headline the ceremony, while Italian singer Laura Pausini, American singer Nicole Scherzinger, British pop star Robbie Williams and popular YouTuber IShowSpeed are all set to feature. American actor Tom Cruise is also expected to make an appearance.

The closing ceremony is expected to start 90 minutes before kickoff (11:00 PM IST). Find all details HERE

Spain are playing their second World Cup final, and hoping to make it two in two when it comes to converting it to World Cup wins. They did it successfully in 2010. But if they do it again in 2026, not only will they win their second World Cup, but also become the first nation to hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup titles at the same time!

Argentina are playing their second consecutive World Cup final, and their third in fourth years. Led by their little magician, Lionel Messi, Argentina are on cusp of World Cup glory once again. They are chasing the fourth star on their crest, looking to become the first team in 64 years to defend the World Cup, and the first team ever to win win four consecutive major trophies.

The grandest day of the football world, arguably the grandest day of the sports world, is here. The game for which millions and billions stop and take note. It's the day of the FIFA World Cup Final. Hello and welcome to NDTV Sports for the live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. It's Argentina against Spain in the battle for glory.

Stay tuned for all the live updates from the match!