All the biggest talking points and stats from the first 45 minutes of the goalless World Cup final in New Jersey, USA.
Published July 19, 2026
After a star-studded tournament ceremony and logistical delays caused by the arrival of US President Donald Trump, the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina ended scoreless at halftime.
Sunday’s match at the New York-New Jersey Stadium was volatile, with Spain gaining possession and Argentina looking to scrap the game.
After a pre-match show that featured singer Robbie Williams and actor Tom Cruise, the final kicked off six minutes late in New Jersey.
When the soccer actually started, Spain tried to control the ball and force Argentina to chase it. The South American giants were mostly confined to their own half and it looked like it would be a physical battle.
Here are some of the biggest talking points from the first half.
A troubling case in New Jersey
Everything got off to a promising start as Lamine Yamal made a save from Emi Martinez just five minutes into the game. The teenager fired a shot from an angle inside the box after some great link-up play with Dani Olmo.
Since then, chances have been precious, with just three shots on goal in the entire first half, all by La Roja, and Argentina yet to get a shot on target.
Spanish striker Mikel Oyarzabal tested Martinez in the 39th minute, but his shot from outside the area was easily saved by the Argentine keeper. Marc Cucurella also scored in the second half.
While Spain had more of the ball, Argentina were stuck and it looked like it was going to be a terrible final. So far, the defending champion’s game plan is working.
The referee keeps the card in his pocket.
Slovenia international Slavko Vincic refused to wave a yellow card until the 40th minute, despite receiving several heavy attacks in the first half.
Spain were furious that the referee did not award a penalty to Alexis Mac Allister after a late challenge on Olmo just 15 minutes into the final.
The Argentine midfielder dived and missed the ball completely as he swept past Olmo. There was an uproar on the Spanish bench, but the referee decided not to name the Liverpool man.
In the end, the first yellow card was shown when Lisandro Martinez dragged Oyarzabal down from behind.
Martinez leaves with injury
Argentina suffered a crushing defeat when their main defender Lisandro Martínez was sent off with an injury just before the end of the first half.
Martinez has played an important role as the center of Argentina’s defense this tournament, but they will have to cope without him for the second half of the final.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is now tasked with silencing the likes of Yamal and Oyarzabal.
What was the result of the first half of the final between Spain and Argentina?
Spain dominated the ball more, with 64.6 percent possession. There were also three shots on goal, but Argentina had none.
The South American team committed two more fouls than their opponent and received one yellow card.
So far Spain have been awarded two corner kicks, while Argentina have none.
