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July 16, 2026 / 6:00 AM EDT
/ CBS News
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For the past 39 days, fans around the world have rallied behind their national teams, gathering in bars, at watch parties and inside packed stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On Sunday, the tournament reaches its climax as Spain and Argentina battle at MetLife Stadium for soccer's biggest prize. Spain is looking to secure a World Cup victory for the first time in 16 years after dominating in the semifinal in a 2-0 win over France on Tuesday. Argentina enters Sunday's final hoping to become back-to-back champions after a late comeback over bitter rival England on Wednesday, winning 2-1. France will play England in the third-place match on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET in Miami.The World Cup kicked off with excitement in North America last month as the biggest in history with 48 teams competing across 104 matches, hosted jointly across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The tournament has been marked by major upsets, political intervention and an unprecedented Golden Boot race. Here's a look at the tournament's top moments and what's in store for the final.Trump's call for Folarin Balogun red card reviewOne moment that captivated and shocked soccer fans was President Trump's call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of a red card that was issued to American star striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun was given a red card in the team's round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. He was penalized for stepping on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemović. In World Cup tournament soccer, a red card comes with an automatic suspension for the following game.
