WeeklySA_AdminDUEL OF TITANS: European champions Spain and defending champions Argentina meet in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 final, while France and England look to salvage pride in the third-place play-off after painful semi-final exits…
By Own Correspondent
The FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches its climax on Sunday when European champions Spain take on defending world champions Argentina in a final worthy of football’s biggest stage, with both nations chasing history after remarkable journeys to New York New Jersey Stadium.
Spain arrive in the showpiece in imperious form after dismantling France in one of the tournament’s most complete performances. Luis de la Fuente’s side dominated possession, controlled the tempo and silenced one of the competition’s most dangerous attacks to book their first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
La Roja’s campaign has gathered momentum with every round. After an opening stalemate against surprise package Cabo Verde, Spain recovered with convincing victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to top Group H. Comfortable progress against Austria in the Round of 32 was followed by two nerve-racking knockout victories, with Mikel Merino emerging as the hero through late winners against Portugal and Belgium before Spain finally produced their finest display against France.
Across the pitch will stand an Argentina side that has made resilience its trademark throughout the tournament.
Inspired by the timeless brilliance of Lionel Messi, who has scored eight goals during the tournament to take his World Cup tally to 21, the defending champions breezed through the group stage before surviving a succession of dramatic knockout encounters.
Scaloni’s men edged Cabo Verde after extra time, staged a stunning late comeback from two goals down to eliminate Egypt, overcame Switzerland in another extra-time thriller and once again showed championship character by fighting back to beat England in the semi-finals.
With Spain seeking a second world title and Argentina chasing back-to-back World Cup crowns, Sunday’s final promises a compelling clash between Europe’s possession masters and South America’s reigning champions.
Bronze consolation
Before the final takes centre stage, France and England will contest Saturday’s third-place play-off, with both European heavyweights aiming to finish their campaigns on a positive note.
France, widely tipped as favourites before the tournament, were outclassed by an impressive Spanish side in the semi-finals and will be eager to restore some pride after falling short of another World Cup final.
England, meanwhile, will be left wondering what might have been after surrendering a second-half lead against Argentina. Anthony Gordon’s breakthrough had placed the Three Lions on course for the final before Enzo Fernandez’s stunning equaliser and Lautaro Martinez’s late winner ended their dream.
While neither side wanted to be playing for bronze, both possess enough quality to deliver an entertaining finale before attention turns to the World Cup’s ultimate prize on Sunday.
