Aaron Mentkowski

Spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, it has been the warmest edition since the previous World Cup in North America, when the U.S. hosted it solo in 1994. Extreme heat and humidity has affected how matches are played and thunderstorms have provided a greater logistical challenge. Under the thunderstorm protocol in place, a match must be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium involved.

Messi’s Argentina face Spain in today’s 2026 World Cup final: Live updates Argentina attempt to defend their title against European champions Spain. July 19, 2026 at 1:36 PM EDT Lamine Yamal arrives for today’s World Cup final. Getty Spain vs Argentina — Latest The 2026 World Cup winners will be crowned today at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain and Argentina meet in the final, bringing the curtain down on a 104-match tournament staged across North America.

This World Cup has been hot and, at times, stormy. Spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, it was always likely to be the warmest edition since the previous World Cup in North America, when the U.S. hosted it solo in 1994. Under the thunderstorm protocol in place, a match must be suspended if lightning or electrical discharge is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium involved.