Spanish royal family to attend World Cup final in US

Excitement for the World Cup final is at its peak as Argentina and Spain prepare for the title clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night. Spain's royal palace has confirmed that King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia, will be in the stands to support the national team.

The visit honours a promise made by King Felipe. During a match against Uruguay in Guadalajara, Mexico, in the group stage, he told the players he would not return to the stadium unless they reached the final. After Spain's semi-final win over France, he is keeping his word by travelling to the US with his entire family.

During the 2-0 semi-final victory over France, the King and Queen were in Barcelona for the Princess of Girona awards ceremony and watched the match from there. After the game, the royal family posted photos and videos on social media wearing Spain's 2026 away jerseys with their names and the number 26.

While then-Prince Felipe and Queen Letizia attended Spain's first World Cup win in 2010 in South Africa, Leonor and Sofia were too young to go. Sunday's final will be their first live World Cup final experience.

Spain have been in excellent form throughout the tournament, conceding only one goal and keeping six clean sheets—a new World Cup record. Luis de la Fuente's side, unbeaten in 37 matches, are now just one game away from a second World Cup title.