The first half of the World Cup final ended in a goalless draw for the first time since 2014. Defending champions Argentina and Spain failed to find the net in the opening 45 minutes of the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in New York City. Both sides played cautiously, with Spain managing three shots on target while the champions failed to register a single attempt. As usual, the red-and-yellow team dominated possession with 65%, according to Sofascore, compared to 35% for the Albiceleste. The first half of a World Cup final has not been goalless since Argentina faced Germany in the 2014 final in Brazil. The same half in the 2018 final in Russia saw France lead 2-1 against Croatia, while Argentina led France 2-0 in the 2022 Qatar final.