Spain, Argentina clash in World Cup 2026 final; Panama to broadcast free

The 2026 World Cup culminates this Sunday, July 19, with a highly anticipated final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. This championship match closes out the expanded tournament, which featured 48 teams across 16 cities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada over 39 days.

Panamanian viewers can watch the final live and for free on TVN, TVMAX, TVN Pass, TVN Radio 96.5 FM, and the TVMAX Panamá YouTube channel. Coverage begins at 11:00 a.m. Panama time, offering analysis and pre-game festivities before the 2:00 p.m. kickoff.

Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, arrives at the final undefeated. Their group stage saw a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, and a narrow 1-0 win against Uruguay. In the knockout stages, Spain defeated Austria 3-0, Portugal 1-0 with a late goal from Mikel Merino, and Belgium 2-1. They delivered their strongest performance in the semifinals, beating France 2-0 with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.

Argentina, coached by Lionel Scaloni, also remains undefeated, largely thanks to the impactful play of Lionel Messi, who has scored seven goals in the tournament. Argentina began with a 3-0 win over Algeria, followed by a 2-0 victory against Austria, both featuring Messi. They concluded the group stage with a 3-1 comeback win against Jordan. In the knockout rounds, Argentina secured dramatic victories: 3-2 against Cape Verde in the round of 32, 3-2 against Egypt in the round of 16, and 3-1 in extra time against Switzerland in the quarterfinals. Their semifinal match saw them come from behind to defeat England 2-1, with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez.

The final pits Spain's consistent play against Argentina's dramatic comebacks, promising a historic clash for the world title.