The basics:

• New Jersey hosts the FIFA World Cup Final July 19
• Argentina faces Spain at MetLife Stadium / New York New Jersey Stadium
• Nearly 1.8 billion viewers expected worldwide
• Tournament leaves lasting tourism, economic legacy

After years of planning, preparation and anticipation, New Jersey is about to host the biggest sporting event in the world.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will take place Sunday at MetLife Stadium – New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.

The over a monthlong competition has already delivered an economic boost, international tourism and cultural celebrations across the region, as fans from near and far packed stadium matches, festivals and watch parties.

Now, after seven matches in East Rutherford, the tournament culminates with defending champion Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, taking on Spain, and teenage phenom Lamine Yamal, for soccer’s biggest prize.

The match kicks off at 3 p.m. It pits two of the world’s top-ranked teams against one another, and features one of the sport’s most compelling storylines. Messi continues to perform at an elite level at age 39 in what could be his final World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Yamal has emerged as one of the game’s brightest young stars.

The championship will put the eyes of the world on the Garden State. The global audience is expected to approach 1.8 billion viewers. By comparison, the most recent Super Bowl averaged 125.6 million viewers in the U.S. Global viewership peaking at roughly 220 million.

FIFA has described the 2026 tournament as the largest sporting event in history.

Welcome to the big show

“We are excited to welcome Spain and Argentina to New Jersey for the World Cup Final this Sunday!” Gov. Mikie Sherrill wrote on social media July 15. “In just four days, one in three people across the globe will tune in to watch the final match take place right here in the Garden State.”

In addition to Sherrill, President Donald Trump is expected to attend, along with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and numerous other dignitaries, stakeholders and celebrities.

Fans attending the final should plan to arrive early for a star-studded closing ceremony. The show begins at 1:30 p.m., 90 minutes before kickoff. The pregame celebration will feature:

• A headline performance by Post Malone
• Jennifer Hudson singing the U.S. national anthem
• Appearances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, IShowSpeed and Tom Cruise

Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony is designed to celebrate the tournament’s 39-day journey across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“The closing ceremony will set the tone for a historic FIFA World Cup final, uniting the passion of 48 teams, 16 host cities and millions of fans on one unforgettable stage,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Meanwhile, the game will feature the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS will serve as co-headliners, along with several other performers. The show is organized by FIFA and Global Citizen.

Local lodging

“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education,” said Infantino. He described the halftime show as supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. “And our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.”

“Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and PS 22 Chorus ft. Coldplay will also join and play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide. As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”

Following hard-fought semifinal victories – Spain defeating France 2-0 and Argentina edging England 2-1 – the finalists arrived in New Jersey this week to prepare for the championship.

As the world unites for the most significant football match in history … this groundbreaking spectacle … will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.
– Gianni Infantino, FIFA president

Argentina is staying at the Hilton Short Hills. The team is training at the RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center in Morris Township. Meanwhile, Spain is staying at The MC Hotel in Montclair. The club is practicing at the former Red Bulls training facility in Whippany, now home to Gotham FC.

To mark the occasion, the New York/New Jersey Host Committee rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange earlier this week.

Not done yet

While Sunday’s final will decide a world champion, organizers say it also marks the culmination of weeks with New Jersey at the center of the global sports world.

“The countdown to the Final is officially on. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished already, but, as Kobe once said, the job’s not done yet. We’ve still got one more incredible game to put on, and one more big celebration of not just FIFA and the World Cup, but our region,” said New York/New Jersey Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry.

By the time the tournament concludes, Lasry said, “millions of visitors will have experienced New York and New Jersey, while over a billion more around the world will have watched as New York and New Jersey showcased everything that makes this region extraordinary.”

He added that the tournament’s legacy will extend well beyond Sunday. “The impact of … will continue long after this summer.

“The partnerships we’ve built, the investments we’ve made, and the opportunities we’ve created will have a lasting legacy for the next generation of players, fans and communities.”