Argentina and Spain get set for World Cup final in New York
Telemundo says Messi’s Argentina will face Lamine Yamal and Spain for the 2026 World Cup title in New York on July 19.
By Frankie Delgado · News Reporter
3 min read
Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are the names on the big board as Argentina and Spain prepare to play for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title in New York, according to Telemundo’s World Cup coverage.
Telemundo published a 9-minute, 8-second video on July 19 focused on Argentina’s preparations for the final against Spain. The network said Messi and his Argentina teammates are facing Yamal and Spain, known as La Furia Roja, with the world championship at stake.
The matchup gives Argentina a shot at another piece of history. In a related Telemundo video listing, the network said Messi and Argentina had arrived in New York looking to make history and chase a second straight world crown.
Spain, meanwhile, is chasing another milestone of its own. Telemundo described the Spanish side as a team packed with young talent and said it is seeking its second star.
Final fever hits New York
The network’s programming for July 19 put the final at the center of the day. Telemundo’s schedule listed World Cup final build-up shows in the morning and early afternoon, including “Celebrando el Mundial: La final,” “Camino a la final,” “Hoy en el Mundial” and “Vive el Mundial.”
The schedule then listed “Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026” at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, 1:30 p.m. Central, followed by “Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026: Homenaje al campeón” at 5 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Central.
Telemundo also linked to a live item showing Argentina and Spain fans gathering to watch the World Cup final, underscoring the party around the match before the ball was even in play.
Voices from both camps
Argentina’s pregame mood was captured through several Telemundo clips. One listing featured goalkeeper Juan Musso saying, in the network’s description, that Argentina’s players still carry the spirit of kids who dreamed of playing in a World Cup.
Another Telemundo item highlighted Roberto Ayala before the final, with the former Argentina defender saying the neighborhood roots inside every footballer would come out on the day of the match.
Spain’s side also appeared calm in Telemundo’s preview coverage. A listed clip said a Spain assistant described the team as relaxed and confident. Another featured Marc Cucurella saying Spain knew it had a unique chance.
Telemundo’s related coverage also looked at the wider storylines around the final, including Messi’s painful past World Cup moment, the connection between Messi and Yamal through a photo from 19 years earlier, and the path both Spain and Argentina took to reach the title match.
Before the final, Telemundo also listed a short segment in which Andrés Iniesta, Mario Kempes, Carlos Alcaraz and Hoyeon presented the World Cup trophy.
This story draws on original reporting from TELEMUNDO.com.