Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is not just about who lifts the trophy – it could also decide the Golden Boot winner, and for Premier League clubs like Arsenal, the fitness of key players after the tournament is already causing concern. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with defending champions Argentina looking to become only the third nation to retain the World Cup. Spain, European champions, booked their place by beating France 2-0 in the semi-final, while Argentina staged a late comeback to beat England 2-1.
The buildup has been disrupted by weather. Spain's final training session on Saturday was cancelled after thunderstorms hit New York and New Jersey, forcing players to warm up indoors under US storm safety protocols. Argentina were able to train later after a 45-minute delay. New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani advised residents not to risk their safety in the dangerous conditions.
“Spain vs Argentina World Cup 2026 final: Golden Boot rules, player injuries and impact on Premier League clubs explained.”
The tournament ends on Sunday, but the fallout will be felt for weeks. The World Cup Golden Boot is awarded to the player who scores the most goals across the entire competition. If two or more players finish level on goals, the first tiebreaker is the number of assists, as determined by FIFA's Technical Study Group. If still tied, the player who has played the fewest minutes wins the award – a rule designed to reward efficiency.
For UK readers, the final has direct implications for Premier League clubs. Arsenal, the defending Premier League champions, had 15 players at the World Cup and still have eight involved in the final weekend. David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are in the Spain squad, while England's bronze medal match against France features Arsenal's Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, as well as France's William Saliba. Saliba has been playing through a back injury and limped off after 30 minutes in the semi-final. Surgery is among the options being considered by Arsenal, and reports in France suggest he could be out for four months. The new Premier League season starts just over a month away, leaving little recovery time for players who have been “gritting their teeth” through the tournament. Arsenal are hopeful Ben White and Jurrien Timber will be fit for the start of the season, but Saliba's potential absence could test their squad depth.
Q: Who is playing in the World Cup final and when is it? Spain face Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday 20 July 2026 at 20:00 BST at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Spain beat France 2-0 in the semi-final, while Argentina beat England 2-1.
Q: How is the World Cup Golden Boot decided if two players are level on goals? If players finish tied on goals, the first tiebreaker is the number of assists (as determined by FIFA's Technical Study Group). If still tied, the player who has played the fewest minutes during the tournament wins the award.
Q: How does the World Cup affect Premier League clubs like Arsenal? With the new Premier League season just over a month away, players involved in the World Cup have little time to recover. Key Arsenal defender William Saliba has been managing a back injury and could require surgery, which would rule him out for up to four months. This may force Arsenal to adjust their transfer plans.
What happens next: After Sunday's final, the focus shifts to club football. Arsenal will assess Saliba's back injury and decide on surgery, while other Premier League clubs will monitor their players' fitness ahead of the new season. FIFA has confirmed there were no alternative training slots for Spain on Saturday, but the final will go ahead as planned.