Can the World Cup end in a tie? In the 2026 World Cup final, the answer is no. If Argentina and Spain are level after 90 minutes, the match will continue into extra time, and if needed, penalties will decide the champion.
The title match is set for Sunday July 19, 2026, when the World Cup champion is to be known in New York/New Jersey. That means the final has a built-in path to a winner, even if the teams cannot be separated in regulation.
What happens after 90 minutes?
If the score is tied after 90 minutes, the final goes to extra time. That adds 30 minutes to the match and gives both sides another chance to settle the result before penalties are required.
This matters because the final is the one match where the trophy cannot be shared. Argentina and Spain are playing for the World Cup trophy, and the tournament needs a winner before the night is over.
What if it is still tied after extra time?
If the match is still level after those 30 minutes, the game moves to penalties. Each team takes five kicks, and if the score is still not decided, the shootout continues until there is a winner.
That format keeps the final moving toward a conclusion, even in a tense, low-scoring match. It is also different from the idea of a draw, which is not how the World Cup final is decided.
Why this final stands out
The matchup also carries extra weight because it is framed as Messi's last World Cup match. Spain is trying to win its second World Cup and stop Argentina from winning back-to-back trophies, which only adds to the pressure on both teams.
Previously, knockout-stage matches in the tournament are required to produce a winner after regulation, extra time, and penalties if necessary. The final follows that same logic, with the trophy waiting for the team that survives every step.
