By BABATUNDE OGUNRINDE

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to an end on Sunday, defending champions Argentina are seeking to retain the title when they meet current European champions Spain.

It promises to be an explosive encounter, as both teams are arguably the best in the tournament, after taking down all opposition and possessing world bestplayers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final match is set to take place at the MetLife Stadium (officially referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.

Another entertaining encounter comes up between perennial foes, France and England who will slug it out for the third place medal on Saturday.

This will come up at the Hard Rock Stadium (officially called Miami Stadium for the tournament) in Miami Gardens, Florida, also in the U.S.

NAN further reports that the matches will come up by 10. 00 p.m. local time and football lovers are expected to watch the live broadcast.

The tournament has arguably produced a fitting finale to be played between two of its standout teams.

Spain, the 2010 world champions who endured an opening game with first timers Cape Verde, impressed all through the competition, defeating Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France, on their way to the final.

Argentina navigated a more demanding route, surviving two extra-time contests before edging England 2-1 in the semi-finals, to reach a second consecutive final.

NAN also reports that Sunday’s showpiece will bring together two of football’s biggest stars.

Lionel Messi is set for his third World Cup final in his career.

On the other hand, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal will lead Spain’s emerging generation.

The occasion will be revisiting the widely shared 2007 UNICEF photograph of Messi, bathing baby Yamal.

This will create an unusual full-circle moment, as the pair prepare to meet on football’s biggest stage.

The Golden Boot race also remains unresolved, as Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé lead the standings, with eight goals each.

England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, along with France’s Ousmane Dembélé, remain in contention, heading into the tournament’s final matches.

Football pundits have expressed delight over the global soccer showpiece, especially the coverage by SuperSport, in spite of the time zones difference between the host nations and Nigeria.

In spite of Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ absence, football lovers have stayed up late during the entire competition most times, to watch their heroes play.

Charles Ogundiya, a sports journalist who writes for the New Telegraph, expressed delight over the tournament, which he said, had given football fans across the globe, a most memorable time.

He said It had been a competitive event where the best teams had earned their places, to achieve all they had set out to achieve.

Ogundiya praised teams like Spain and Argentina for their efforts in getting to a well deserved final.

He also commended new teams like Panama, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo for all their heroics, showcasing their team qualities at the highest level of football competition.

He described the coverage as spearheaded by SuperSport, as commendable, especially with the introduction of various local dialects to facilitate communication.

“It has been an exciting competition and arguably will be remembered for many years to come. It brought the best out of the players and gave new teams the opportunity to rub shoulders with top elite players.

“Many football fans especially in Nigeria had to wake up very early in the morning to watch their teams in spite of the difference in the time zone.

“Indeed, it has been a wonderful tournament, and we look forward to Sunday’s cracker to see the new 2026 champions,”Ogundiya said.

In the same vein, Abiodun Sonaike, a Lagos based Sports Lawyer, said the competition had been a worthwhile experience.

“It has been a very great competition that has lived up to itsexpectations. Both the technical crew and players gave out their best to achieve their aims.

“At the end, it is one country that will emerge winner. Indeed, it has been a worthwhile experience,” Sonaike said. (NAN)

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