World Cup final LIVE: Spain vs Argentina match and goal updates as Martinez suffers injury blow

Spain and Argentina meet in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New York, with the reigning champions facing a Spanish side seeking their second title in 16 years. The match follows England’s victory over France in the bronze final, setting up a clash between two of football’s most storied nations. Pre-match chaos overshadowed the occasion: Spain’s training was canceled due to storms, media and fans struggled to enter the stadium, and a delayed closing ceremony pushed back the start.

A cagey opening half ends goalless

The first 45 minutes produced few clear chances, as both teams struggled to break down stubborn defenses. Spain edged possession but found Argentina’s physical approach difficult to unpick. Dani Olmo’s flick found Oyarzabal on the edge of the area, but the striker’s effort lacked the required contact, allowing Lisandro Martínez to gather. Cucurella then forced a low save from Martínez, who had already been booked for a trip on the same forward.

Argentina, fresh from a dramatic semi-final win over England, showed no hesitation in using their bodies to disrupt play. The referee’s leniency on fouls and kicks drew criticism, with several heavy challenges going unpunished. The half ended 0-0, a reflection of the cautious, attritional start rather than any lack of effort.

Martínez’s exit reshapes Argentina’s spine

In the final moments before the break, Martínez limped off with an injury, replaced by Nicolás Otamendi. The timing was cruel for Argentina, who had relied on Martínez’s aggression to unsettle Spain’s rhythm. His departure forced a defensive reshuffle, with Otamendi stepping into a back three alongside Romero and Tagliafico.

The substitution underscored Argentina’s vulnerability at the back, a concern that had been masked by Martínez’s presence. Spain, meanwhile, will regroup knowing they nearly forced an error before the interval, with Olmo’s flick the closest either side came to scoring.

Tactical stalemate and the road ahead

Both teams arrived in New York with contrasting strengths: Argentina’s physicality against Spain’s technical control. Spain’s midfield trio of Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, and Mac Allister sought to dictate tempo, but Argentina’s midfield battle—De Paul, Fernández, and Mac Allister—proved equally congested. The absence of early rhythm meant neither side could impose their game plan.

Argentina’s reliance on Messi and Álvarez up front faces a Spain defense marshaled by Laporte and Cubarsi, both tasked with nullifying direct threats. With Otamendi now at center-back, Argentina may need to adjust their approach, potentially shifting to a more conservative shape to protect their lead.

Tonight’s final is more than a title decider—it’s a clash of philosophies. Spain’s possession-heavy style meets Argentina’s pragmatic resilience, a duel that has defined their rivalry in recent years. The delayed start and Martinez’s injury add layers to an already tense narrative. As the second half begins, the question is whether either side can break the deadlock, or if this final will be decided by a moment of individual brilliance—or defensive error.