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The countdown has begun. On Sunday 19 July, MetLife Stadium in New York will host the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. But with 48 hours to go before kick-off, the atmosphere is anything but calm. Between a FIFA investigation targeting the Argentine camp, uncertainty surrounding Lamine Yamal’s injury and Emiliano Martínez’s fiery comments on the Falkland Islands, this World Cup is drawing to a close in a charged atmosphere.
The shadow of an investigation hanging over Argentina’s campaign
FIFA confirmed on Thursday that it had launched an investigation into the Argentine team following their 2–1 semi-final victory over England.
FIFA confirmed on Thursday that it had launched an investigation into the Argentine team following their 2–1 semi-final victory over England. Whilst the exact nature of the investigation remains unclear, several media outlets have reported disciplinary incidents in the tunnel at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, as well as politically charged chants by Argentine supporters.
The geopolitical context does not help matters: the semi-final between the two nations brought back memories of the 1986 quarter-final and the Falklands War. This tension did not escape the attention of manager Lionel Scaloni, who was forced to answer questions on the subject at a press conference rather than talk about football.
Yamal, the prodigy whose fitness is in doubt
This is the other hot topic for the Spanish side. Lamine Yamal, 19, who picked up an injury during Monday evening’s 2–0 semi-final victory over France in Dallas, did not take part in the whole of Thursday’s training session. The Barça prodigy, who had posted a provocative photo on Instagram of his goal against Les Bleus at Euro 2024 ahead of the semi-final, may be rested.
Luis de la Fuente refused to confirm whether he would start on Friday, simply replying with a terse “we’ll see tomorrow”. An absence of the youngster from Rocafonda would be a major blow for La Roja, given how his partnership with Pedri and Olmo has torn apart opposing defences throughout the tournament.
Messi-Yamal: one photo, 19 years apart
The final will also feature a face-off that nobody could have predicted. In 2007, a young Lionel Messi posed with a baby in his arms for a charity calendar organised by Barça and Diario Sport. That baby was called Lamine Yamal. The photo, unearthed by Euronews and which went viral, shows Messi, aged 20 at the time, bathing a few-weeks-old infant in a makeshift bath. Nineteen years later, the two men are set to face each other for the most prestigious title in world football.
Dibu Martinez, the Falklands and the third-place play-off
Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez did nothing to take the heat off the situation. Following his heroic performance against England, the Argentine goalkeeper dodged a question about the Falkland Islands — a silence that was interpreted as a deliberate provocation by sections of the British and Argentine press. The result: yet another controversy clouding the run-up to the final.
Meanwhile, the French team are preparing for the third-place play-off against England. Didier Deschamps has banned his players from going out in Miami at night, keen to keep the squad focused on the bronze medal. A decision that speaks volumes about the manager’s state of mind following their semi-final exit.
On Sunday, Spain will be aiming for a second World Cup title since 2010. Messi’s Argentina will be attempting to win back-to-back titles following their 2022 victory. But until then, the entire microcosm of world football is holding its breath, amid investigations, injuries and controversies.