World Cup final: Everything you need to know

After a month of football, 48 nations, three host countries and a record breaking tournament, the World Cup final is HERE.

For the first time in World Cup history, the reigning champions of South America will take on the reigning champions of Europe in the final - Spain v Argentina.

But who will take the win?

Keep reading for a handy guide of everything you need to know about the final.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final takes place at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Kick-off is scheduled for Sunday 19 July at 3pm local time which is 8pm here in the UK.

Like all games, the final is scheduled to last '90 minutes - two halves of 45'.

However, there is also potential extra time and penalties, as well as three-minute hydration breaks that take place midway through each half.

And don't forget half-time, which for this match won't stick to the usual 15 minutes, due to the halftime show (keep reading to find out more about that).

Then, if the game is level at the final whistle it will go to extra time- two additional periods of 15 minutes each.

Then if the scores are still level after that, the match is decided by a penalty shootout.

Only three of the previous 22 World Cup finals have been settled by a penalty shootout - 1994, 2006 and 2022. If Sunday's final goes the distance, it would become just the fourth World Cup final to be decided from the spot.

The Argentina captain has amazed fans for almost 20 years with his brilliant dribbling, clever passes and incredible goals.

He helped his country win the World Cup in 2022, and this final could be the last World Cup match of his amazing career.

Going into the final, Lionel Messi is still chasing the Golden Boot prize for top scorer at the 2026 World Cup.

He's on eight goals right now, but Kylian Mbappé (France) scored twice against England in the third-place play-off match, putting him on 10 goals.

That means Messi will need to score twice to catch him and three times to take the lead overall...

Lamine Yamal is one of the biggest young football stars in the world.

At just 19 years old, the Spain winger has amazed fans with his incredible dribbling, quick feet and fearless style of play.

Even though this is his first World Cup, he has already helped Spain reach the final with exciting performances .

If Yamal shines in the final, he could help Spain lift the World Cup trophy for only the second time.

The final will begin with a major celebration of the tournament's journey across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The closing ceremony starts 90 minutes before kick-off at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Confirmed performers include:

🎤 Robbie Williams

🎤 Laura Pausini

🎤 Nicole Scherzinger

🎤 IShowSpeed

🎬 Tom Cruise (special appearance)

🎤 Jennifer Hudson - performing the US national anthem

As well as the closing ceremony, the final will include the first ever halftime show.

The show has been curated by Chris Martin from Coldplay.

Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, Gustavo Dudamel and BTS will co-headline the special performance.

The halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise money to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

For fans in the UK the final will be available to watch on TV.

Both BBC One/BBC iPlayer and ITV1/ITV X will air the match and the build up.

Some of you may be watching with your friends and family at home, or maybe you are attending a watch party.

Let us know in the comments below how you are watching and who you want to win?