After enduring many sleepless nights for months,
the final chapter of the 2026 World Cup is finally approaching its conclusion in the early morning of Monday, 20 July.
This is a huge match between two top teams, both of whom are the most recent continental champions in 2024.
The defending champions, Argentina, winners of the Copa America, must defend the FIFA trophy against Spain, the reigning European champions known as "La Roja."
Additionally, the third-place playoff, a matter of pride for the disappointed teams, will take place in the early morning of Sunday, 19 July, between France and England.
We must see whether the so-called 'curse' of defending champions—no team has successfully defended the title since the FIFA World Cup trophy replaced the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1974—will be broken.
Since the switch from the Jules Rimet trophy to the FIFA World Cup trophy in 1974,
will the great veteran Lionel Messi and his Argentine squad be the ones to break that streak?
Or will it end similarly to Diego Maradona, the legendary leader who led Argentina to a glorious World Cup victory in Mexico in 1986?
Four years later, the 'Little Tiger' led the team to the final again, but they were heartbreakingly defeated by Germany, returning home as runners-up.
As for the Spanish team, the 2010 World Cup champions, will they reclaim the throne after a 16-year hiatus?
The answer will be revealed during the "dream final" late Sunday night into early Monday morning—stay tuned!
And don't forget, all Thairath fans, to join the final stretch of the "Cheer Loud, Celebrate Luck Anytime, Anywhere" campaign.
Join the fun and have a chance to win big prizes until 19 July 2026 by sending a 3-baht postcard available at post offices nationwide.
Also, participate via postal workers and participating sales points by 18:00.
Or join via Prompt Post and the Paotang app until 23:59.
Grand prizes await, including gold worth 7 million baht,
as well as Toyota cars and pickup trucks, Honda motorcycles, Samsung phones, Lotus vouchers, and many other prizes.
Just predict whether Argentina or Spain will win the World Cup this time.
Meanwhile, fans who enjoy on-site viewing outside their homes should not miss the event this Sunday night.
ONE NIGHT. ONE CHAMPION. The night to find out who will be the world champion.
Watch the FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ final on a giant LED screen amid the fan park atmosphere at Rot Fai Park.
Featuring well-known Thai football experts and commentators Bo Boo, Jay Warapat, Games Eng, Yak Doidang, Pao Phi, Bo-Krekgchai, and Got Gunner,
who will provide in-depth game analysis before kickoff and live commentary in a true football fan atmosphere for the Spain vs. Argentina final.
Fans are welcome to bring their own folding chairs and cups freely at Wachirabenchathat Park (Rot Fai Park), Entrance Gate 3.
The gates open at 23:30 on Sunday, 19 July.
Before the World Cup final kicks off promptly at 02:00 on Monday, 20 July.
Moreover, for the 2026 World Cup final this Sunday,
two leading Thai women in the sports world have been invited as VIP guests by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
To officially attend the World Cup 2026 final match,
at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.
These are Khunying Patama Leesawattrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee and the only Thai IOC member,
who has a long-standing close personal relationship with President Infantino.
And "Madam Pang" Nualphan Lamsam, the "Iron Lady" president of the Football Association of Thailand.
She also received an invitation to attend.
In the past, "President Nualphan" has gained as much trust from Infantino as anyone else.
Otherwise, she would not have been appointed by FIFA as Chairperson of the Development Committee since last year.
She is the first woman worldwide to hold this important official position.
The Development Committee is one of FIFA’s main standing committees, directly reporting to Gianni Infantino and the entire FIFA Council.
It plays a crucial role in setting direction and overseeing football development projects worldwide, covering more than 211 member associations.
Its main mission is to strategize, monitor, and evaluate support projects for infrastructure, youth, and regional associations.
All aimed at sustainably elevating football in every aspect!
This World Cup sees three Thai women officially involved with FIFA.
The most explosive is "Nong Lisa" from BLACKPINK, Lalisa Manoban,
who made history as the first Thai to participate in the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony by performing the song "Goals."
She performed alongside Brazilian singer Anitta and Rema at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, USA, in mid-June.
This made all of us Thai people proud to have Lisa represent the nation on the international stage.
Although Thai football may not yet have the fortune to play in the World Cup finals as dreamed in this lifetime,
the three Thai women mentioned
have already experienced the World Cup atmosphere firsthand!
- Bee Bangpakong -