Kathmandu: The FIFA World Cup 2026 will crown its new champion on Monday as former champions Argentina take on Spain in a highly anticipated final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:45 am Nepali time.

The final marks the first World Cup meeting between Argentina and Spain in six decades, setting the stage for one of the most eagerly awaited clashes in modern football.

Messi vs Yamal: A Story That Comes Full Circle
One of the biggest storylines of the final is the battle between Argentine captain Lionel Messi and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Football fans have been reminded of an iconic photograph taken during a Barcelona charity event in 2007, where a 20-year-old Messi held and bathed a three-month-old Yamal. Nearly two decades later, the two will face each other on football's biggest stage with the World Cup trophy at stake.

History Beckons for Both Nations
Spain are chasing their second FIFA World Cup title after lifting the trophy in 2010, while Argentina are aiming to secure a fourth world championship and become only the third nation—after Italy and Brazil—to win back-to-back World Cups.

Messi has enjoyed another remarkable tournament, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and four assists. For Spain, Mikel Oyarzabal has scored five goals, while Yamal has emerged as one of the tournament's most dangerous attackers with his pace, creativity and dribbling ability.

Spain's Defence Meets Argentina's Firepower
The final is expected to be a fascinating contest between Spain's disciplined defence and Argentina's explosive attack.

Spain have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has kept six clean sheets, while captain Rodri has dictated play from midfield with exceptional passing.

Argentina arrive in the final after winning seven consecutive matches and scoring a tournament-high 19 goals. Their comeback victories against Egypt and England demonstrated both their resilience and attacking quality.

Expected Line-ups
Spain are expected to start with Unai Simón in goal, with Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella in defence. Rodri and Fabián Ruiz are likely to anchor midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal lead the attack.

Argentina are expected to field Emiliano Martínez in goal, with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico across the back. Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister are expected in midfield, supporting an attacking trio of Giuliano Simeone, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.

Messi's Emotional Message Before the Final
Ahead of the title decider, Messi shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying the team's greatest achievement goes beyond winning trophies.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner thanked his teammates, coaching staff and supporters for creating a family atmosphere within the national team. He said the bond forged throughout the journey is something that will endure regardless of the final result and believes this Argentine squad has already secured its place in football history.

Coaches Ready for the Biggest Test
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects an entertaining contest between two attacking teams and believes the final will showcase football at its highest level.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his staff have studied Spain's playing style in detail and stressed that Argentina must deliver their very best performance to retain the World Cup. Scaloni also praised Messi for reaching another World Cup final at the age of 39, describing him as the greatest player in football history.

A Final Worth the Wait
With history, legacy and the biggest prize in football on the line, Monday's final promises a memorable showdown between two football giants. Whether Spain claim their second world title or Argentina retain the crown, the clash between Messi's experience and Yamal's emerging brilliance is set to define one of the most compelling World Cup finals in recent memory.