Kathmandu: The 2026 FIFA World Cup will end with a dream final: Argentina against Spain. After 103 matches, football fans in Kathmandu and around the world will watch two champions collide for the biggest prize in the sport.

Argentina are one win away from defending the title they won in Qatar. Lionel Messi, now 39, has been the heart of their run. He helped inspire a stunning comeback against England in the semi final and has scored eight goals this tournament.

Spain arrives in equally strong form. They delivered their best performance of the tournament by beating France controlling the game and quieting Kylian Mbappe. Many believe Spain has looked like the most complete team at this World Cup.

The final also brings a personal storyline. Messi will face Spain, the country where he spent most of his club career at Barcelona. On the other side, young star Lamine Yamal, often called Messi’s natural heir at Barcelona, will line up against him.

Spain’s game plan runs through Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who controlled the midfield against France, along with Fabian Ruiz. Their defence has been outstanding, conceding just once in seven matches, with full backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro adding pace on the wings. Yamal remains their key attacking hope, even though he has not yet hit top form this tournament.

For Argentina, everything is built around getting Messi into scoring positions. Enzo Fernandez adds goals from midfield while Leandro Paredes and Alexis Mac Allister protect the back line. Defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez have been steady throughout the tournament.

Messi remains the player Argentina depends on most to win the trophy itself. He has been central to every stage of his side’s run to Sunday’s final.

Both teams go into the final with no major injury worries. Yamal is close to full fitness and Argentina avoided any suspensions after their semi final win.

This will be the first ever World Cup final meeting between the reigning European champions and the reigning South American champions. Only two nations in history have won back to back World Cups, Italy in 1934 and 1938 and Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

Sunday’s match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will decide who joins that rare company or whether Spain can lift the trophy for the second time.