By BigEyeUg Team
The final day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is here. Everything can wait, sleep can wait, because DSTV and GOTV are set to bring you the biggest match of the year, live and in full colour.
The grand final between Spain and Argentina kicks off today, Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The match starts at 3:00pm local time in New Jersey, which is 10:00pm here in East Africa.
FIFA is branding the venue “New York New Jersey Stadium” for the tournament, in line with its clean-venue sponsorship policy.
How the Finalists Got Here:
Spain reached the final after a commanding 2-0 win over France in the semi-final. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and Pedro Porro added a second in the second half to send La Roja through.
Argentina had a tougher road. Lionel Messi and his side trailed England for most of their semi-final before a dramatic late comeback.
Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martinez struck again in stoppage time to complete a 2-1 win and keep Argentina’s dream of a back-to-back title alive.
Spain are chasing their second World Cup title, having last won in 2010. Argentina, the reigning champions, are looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win the trophy twice in a row.
A World Cup Final Like No Other
This year’s final will be remembered for more than just the football. FIFA is introducing the tournament’s first-ever official half-time show, styled after the Super Bowl, alongside a star-studded closing ceremony.
Schedule for the day:
- Date: Sunday, July 19
- Kick-off: 3:00pm New Jersey time (10:00pm East Africa Time)
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Finalists: Spain vs Argentina
- Closing ceremony: begins about 90 minutes before kick-off
- Half-time show: an 11-minute performance curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, featuring Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS, among others
The Man in the Middle
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will take charge of the final.
The 46-year-old from Maribor becomes the first Slovenian to officiate a men’s World Cup final, and only the 23rd official in history to take on the role.
His past big assignments include the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Vincic already has a personal history with Argentina, having also been the referee for their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup.
Messi’s Message to the Nation
Ahead of the final, Lionel Messi shared an emotional note thanking his teammates, coaching staff, and fans for the journey.
He said the most beautiful part of the years together was never just about the titles, but the whole journey: sharing daily life with the group, competing together, rising after hard moments, and enjoying every step along the way.
What the Winners Take Home
FIFA has laid out the prize money for this year’s tournament as follows:
- Champions: $50 million
- Runners-up: $33 million
- Third place: $29 million
- Fourth place: $27 million
The money is paid to each nation’s football association rather than directly to the players. The associations then decide how the funds are shared among players, coaches, and support staff.
Catch the Action on DStv and GOtv
It is not too late to set yourself up for this historic match. DStv and GOtv decoders are available at the following prices:
- DStv Standard decoder: UGX 20,000
- DStv Zapper: UGX 15,000
- DStv Explora: UGX 559,000
- DStv full kit: UGX 45,000
- GOtv decoder (Gotenna): UGX 15,000
Whichever way you choose to watch, tonight promises to be one for the history books.
Get your decoder ready, gather your friends and family, and settle in for a final that has everything: Messi chasing history, Spain chasing redemption, and a show FIFA promise will be like nothing seen before.
We will keep you posted