(July 20): Spain won its second World Cup title, defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina 1-0 thanks to substitute Ferran Torres’ strike in extra time.
The first title match since 1930 to feature two Spanish-speaking teams kicked off shortly after 3pm New York time before 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Spain dominated possession as Argentina struggled to muster a meaningful attack in what is likely Messi’s last World Cup match, though clear goal-scoring opportunities were few and far in between.
Argentina went down to 10 men toward the end of regulation after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was ejected, putting them in a major disadvantage for a match they spent mostly trying to keep Spain from scoring.
An estimated 1.8 billion people were expected to watch the match, which also is the first World Cup final to feature a halftime show, which kicked off with Madonna accompanied by Brazilian soccer greats Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and the Muppets also featured in the show, which lasted just over 11 minutes. Fans were reluctant to leave their seats and many sang along with Shakira when she performed the official 2026 World Cup song, Dai Dai.
With enhanced security measures organized for President Donald Trump’s attendance, gates opened four hours ahead of the kickoff. After the first two games at the stadium, organizers increased the number of signs and volunteers to get people to the right seats.
In the luxury suites surrounding the pitch, politicians mixed with celebrities at what is likely to be the most expensive sporting event ever. High-end hospitality packages were trading for up to US$4 million (RM16.34 million) prior to the game.
Trump was seen seated next to his wife, Melania, and Fifa chief Gianni Infantino. At one point the broadcast showed him patting what appeared to be the World Cup trophy.
Spanish King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were also in attendance along with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, though Argentine President Javier Milei stayed home to avoid jinxing the result. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were also in attendance.
Celebrities including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Will Ferrell, Timothee Chalamet, Matt Damon, Mick Jagger and basketball stars Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama in the crowd.
Fifa drip-fed tickets to the final over the past few weeks. The process has been opaque enough to attract lawsuits in the US and Germany.
“I was one of the lucky ones who got in early on, so no complaints on my end,” said Brandon Ng, a managing director at boutique investment bank Houlihan Lokey who paid US$60,000 for 10 tickets. “The tournament has been electric.”
Revenue from chips, beer and hot dogs is also set to break records. The tournament’s opening match between Brazil and Morocco generated the stadium’s highest food-and-beverage revenue for any event since the 2014 Super Bowl.
Offerings at MetLife Stadium’s concessions included sodas for US$6, an US$8.50 hot dog and chicken tenders for up to US$19. Non-alcoholic beers were priced at US$14, while price of alcohol ranged from US$17 to US$20 with a limit of two drinks per person for every purchase.
In the New York City borough of Queens, Spain supporters gathered at the Casa Galicia cultural center to cheer on their team, wearing La Roja’s traditional red. Estrella Galicia beer and Albariño wine littered the tables, with only the occasional Poland Spring water bottle serving to remind guests they were in the US.
“We’re here to celebrate,” said Jose Alberto Gonzalez, 63. “The importance of watching the game here is that the people who are sitting next to you in the next table are the same ones who are here on a Friday night, so when you cheer, you’re not cheering with strangers.”
Uploaded by Isabelle Francis