The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set to begin at 3 p.m. EDT at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina aims for its fourth title, while Spain seeks its second and the chance to hold World Cup titles in both men’s and women’s soccer.
This event marks the 104th match in what has been the largest World Cup yet, featuring 48 teams across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The tournament has already seen more goals than any previous World Cup, with 307 counted before the final match. If the final results in at least two goals, this World Cup will have the highest average goals per game since the 1956 tournament with 3.6 goals per match. If fewer than two goals are scored, it will still be the highest average since the 1970 World Cup, which had 2.97 goals per game.
The closing ceremony begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff, headlined by Post Malone. The halftime show, a first for FIFA, will feature performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus with Coldplay, and characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend, with plans for his involvement in the trophy presentation following the match.
Argentina will wear its traditional light blue and white vertically striped jerseys, while Spain will be in red with navy sleeves. The officiating crew is from Slovenia, led by referee Slavko Vinčić, with Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič as assistant referees.