When is the World Cup final? Date, kick-off time, location and how to follow showpiece match

The World Cup final is the biggest match in football and one of the greatest events in all of sports.

Over one billion people watched the 2022 showpiece between Argentina and France, as Lionel Messi cemented his legacy.

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And there’s no doubt that a similar number will be tuning in this summer to watch the next world champions be crowned.

Here’s all you need to know about the 2026 World Cup final…

When is the World Cup final?

The World Cup final will take place on Sunday, July 19.

Kick-off in the showpiece is scheduled for 8pm UK time.

It will be held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The venue, which was announced to be holding the final in 2024 and has a capacity of 82,500 seats, is the home of NFL teams, the New York Giants and New York Jets.

How to follow the World Cup final

The final is expected to be broadcast on BBC and ITV in the UK.

Fans will be able to watch the match for free, alongside being able to stream the game on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

On top of that, talkSPORT will have live coverage of the final.

We will be providing live commentaries, shows and much more from the United States throughout the tournament.

AFP

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. 

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

World Cup 2026 knockout stage schedule

Round of 32 – June 28 to July 4

• Group A runners-up vs Group B runners-up
• Group C winners vs Group F runners-up
• Group E winners vs Group A/B/C/D/F third place
• Group F winners vs Group C runners-up
• Group E runners-up vs Group I runners-up
• Group I winners vs Group C/D/F/G/H third place
• Group A winners vs Group C/E/F/H/I third place
• Group L winners vs Group E/H/I/J/K third place
• Group G winners vs Group A/E/H/I/J third place
• Group D winners vs Group B/E/F/I/J third place
• Group H winners vs Group J runners-up
• Group K runners-up vs Group L runners-up
• Group B winners vs Group E/F/G/I/J third place
• Group D runners-up vs Group G runners-up
• Group J winners vs Group H runners-up
• Group K winners vs Group D/E/I/J/L third place

Round of 16

• Saturday, July 4 to Tuesday, July 7

AFP

Quarter-finals

• Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 12

Semi-finals

• Tuesday, July 14 to Wednesday, July 15

Third-place play-off

• Saturday, July 18

Final

• Sunday, July 19

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