Argentina and Spain clash in record $50M World Cup final

The 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes with defending champion Argentina facing Spain in the final on Sunday, while France and England meet in the third-place playoff. The tournament, expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, features a record $871 million total prize pool, with the winner earning $50 million — more than 20 times the champion's prize in 1982 Source: Fox Business.

Final showdown

Argentina seeks to become the first repeat champion since Brazil in 1962, powered by Lionel Messi, who has eight goals and four assists Source: AP News. Spain, the 2010 champion, boasts the tournament's best defense, conceding just one goal en route to the final Source: Los Angeles Times. The match marks the first World Cup final between two Spanish-speaking nations since 1930 Source: Euronews. US President Donald Trump is expected to attend and present the trophy Source: Al Jazeera.

Third-place playoff

France and England, both semifinal losers, face off in a consolation match neither wanted Source: AP News. It will be the final game for France coach Didier Deschamps after 14 years, during which he won the 2018 title Source: Al Jazeera. Kylian Mbappé, tied with Messi for the Golden Boot lead, aims to become the first player to win consecutive Golden Boots Source: Los Angeles Times.

Record prize money and controversy

The $871 million distribution includes $655 million in performance-based pay, with each team guaranteed at least $12.5 million Source: Fox Business. The tournament also saw VAR controversies, with Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan decrying a decision in their loss to Argentina Source: AP News. Dynamic ticket pricing drew criticism, but stadiums were full Source: NPR.