Argentina and Spain are set to face off in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, kicking off at noon PDT. The match will be broadcast on Fox and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fox One and Peacock.
Argentina is aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend its World Cup title. This tournament marks Lionel Messi’s sixth and likely final World Cup appearance. Messi is close to surpassing France’s Kylian Mbappé for the all-time World Cup scoring record, trailing by just one goal after Mbappé scored twice in France’s semifinal match. Argentina has maintained an undefeated record, but their progression in the knockout rounds has been marked by narrow victories with winning goals scored in stoppage time in four consecutive matches.
Spain, the European champions, are competing for their second World Cup title, which would add a second star to their jersey after their 2010 triumph. The Spanish team features one of the youngest squads in the tournament and has advanced largely due to a strong defensive performance. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has been a key figure, securing six clean sheets in seven matches. Spain’s leading scorer is Mikel Oyarzabal, who has netted five goals during the competition.
Both teams faced Cape Verde, a World Cup debutant, during the tournament; Spain drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in their opening match, while Argentina overcame them 3-2 in the round of 32 after a 1-1 deadlock leading into extra time.
Adverse weather conditions have been a concern in East Rutherford, as the area was affected by smoke from Canadian wildfires, resulting in poor air quality. However, thunderstorms on Saturday helped alleviate the air quality issues. FIFA and the White House held informal talks regarding a potential change of venue for the final due to health concerns. By game day, the forecast has improved, calling for temperatures in the mid-80s with moderate humidity and a reduced chance of rain or lightning.
The match will be attended by former President Donald Trump, who is expected to present the World Cup trophy to the victorious team.
Former German international and World Cup winner Jürgen Klinsmann has offered advice to the players contesting the final, encouraging them to savor the experience as such moments are rare. Klinsmann, who helped West Germany claim the 1990 title early in his career, reflected on the unique magnitude of winning the tournament and the fleeting nature of such opportunities.
Mario Gotze, the 2014 World Cup final’s decisive goal scorer for Germany against Argentina, echoed Klinsmann’s sentiments. Gotze described his iconic extra-time goal as a dream realized but also noted the challenges of preparing for such defining moments. He emphasized how the achievement remains unforgettable for both him and fans, and urged current players to appreciate the experience fully, regardless of the outcome.
Sunday’s final promises a historic contest between two formidable sides with storied talents, under conditions that have tested organizers and participants alike. Whether Argentina secures back-to-back championships or Spain claims its second title, the match is poised to be a defining chapter in World Cup history.