In a few minutes, the final match of the World Cup in football, organized in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will kick off.
Modern.az reports that Spain and Argentina will face each other in the decisive match. We present several interesting facts about the teams representing the European continent and South America:
For the first time in history, the reigning European champion meets the South American champion;
Argentina and Spain were scheduled to play in the "Finalissima" tournament – a match between the European and South American champions – in Lusail, Qatar, in March 2026. However, due to the outbreak of war in the Middle East, the match was canceled;
In 2007, 20-year-old Messi bathed baby Yamal in a basin during a charity photoshoot for the Barcelona and UNICEF calendar. At that time, no one could have imagined that 19 years later, these two would meet on the field in the World Cup final. The Argentine, a living legend ending his career, and the Spaniard, one of the leading stars of the new generation... The photo became the unofficial symbol of that match;
The teams' coaches are former teacher and student. Spain's Luis de la Fuente taught a UEFA Pro course in 2017, where Argentina's Lionel Scaloni was among the students. Since then, they have built a true friendship. They call each other and have dinner together whenever possible. Today, they will meet as two rival coaches for the main trophy in world football;
For the first time in World Cup history, the winners will receive personalized championship rings, similar to those in American professional leagues like the NBA and NFL. Immediately after the final whistle, the captain and head coach of the winning team will receive temporary rings, and later all 30 awards will be personalized and officially presented to the players and staff;
The match in Canada was almost postponed due to smoke from massive wildfires engulfing New York City. Air quality had deteriorated so much that authorities advised residents to stay indoors. FIFA ultimately decided not to postpone the final based on meteorological forecasts that the situation would improve by evening.
According to the "Opta" supercomputer, Spain has a 56% chance of winning, while Argentina has 44%. Interestingly, in May, the supercomputer did not even see Argentina among the top three favorites.
Argentine writer Yamile Said Mendez also predicted the finalists in her children's book "The Game of the World," published on June 2, 2026, before the tournament began. However, Spain won 2-1, with the decisive goal scored in the 88th minute by the player wearing the number seven jersey.
Spain could become world champions for the second time in its history. For Argentina, this could be their fourth (and second consecutive) victory in the World Cup.
