Thousands of Argentina supporters converged on Times Square in Manhattan on Saturday, waving flags bearing the faces of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi and chanting against Spain a day before the 2026 World Cup final. The gathering began at 5 p.m. local time, with fans wearing goat masks in reference to Messi and singing a chant adapted from their semifinal victory over England in Atlanta.
Argentina and Spain meet Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium at 3 p.m. local time. Argentina is pursuing a fourth World Cup title after triumphs in 1978, 1986, and 2022, while Spain seeks a second crown following its 2010 victory. The two sides have met only once previously at a World Cup, a 2-1 Argentina group-stage win in 1966.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are scheduled to attend the match. Shakira and Madonna are set to perform at the halftime show.