The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina went into halftime scoreless on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium, following a delayed kickoff and a highly physical first 45 minutes.
The match in New Jersey started six minutes behind schedule due to logistical delays surrounding the arrival of US President Donald Trump, which followed a pre-match ceremony featuring singer Robbie Williams and actor Tom Cruise.
Once play began, Spain controlled the tempo, maintaining 64.6 percent of the possession. However, Argentina's physical, defensive approach successfully disrupted Spain's rhythm, limiting clear-cut opportunities. Spain registered all three shots of the half, while Argentina failed to record a single attempt on goal.
Spain threatened early in the fifth minute when teenager Lamine Yamal linked up with Dani Olmo, forcing a save from Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez from a tight angle. Later in the half, Mikel Oyarzabal tested Martinez with a shot from outside the penalty area in the 39th minute, and Marc Cucurella sent an effort wide shortly before the break.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic kept his cards in his pocket for most of the half despite several heavy tackles. Spain's bench reacted with fury in the 15th minute when Alexis Mac Allister escaped a booking after wiping out Olmo with a late challenge. Vincic did not issue the game's first yellow card until the 40th minute, cautioning Lisandro Martinez for pulling down Oyarzabal from behind.
Argentina suffered a major setback late in the half when Lisandro Martinez was forced off due to an injury. The key defender was replaced by veteran Nicolas Otamendi, who is now tasked with stopping Yamal and Oyarzabal in the second half.
By the break, Spain had earned two corners to Argentina's zero, while the South Americans committed two more fouls than their opponents.
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