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Spain and Argentina Set for Dream World Cup Final as Benidorm Gears Up for a Night to Remember

Benidorm, Spain / 19 July 2026

Football fans across Spain are counting down to what many are calling the most anticipated FIFA World Cup Final in modern history, as Spain and Argentina prepare to meet in New Jersey tonight for the biggest prize in world football.

For the first time ever, the two footballing giants will contest a World Cup Final, bringing together nations with deep historical, cultural and sporting ties. Spain will be chasing a second FIFA World Cup title, while defending champions Argentina are aiming to lift the trophy for a fourth time.

The final, taking place at New York New Jersey Stadium, is expected to attract one of the largest global television audiences in sporting history, with billions expected to tune in.

Football's Biggest Night

The match has all the ingredients of a classic.

Spain arrive having impressed throughout the tournament with their possession-based football, youthful energy and disciplined defending. Argentina, meanwhile, have once again demonstrated the resilience and experience that has made them one of international football's great powers.

Adding even more intrigue is the contrast between generations, with Spain's exciting young stars looking to write their own chapter in football history against an experienced Argentine side determined to retain the World Cup.

Historic Half-Time Show

Tonight's final will also make history as FIFA stages its first-ever World Cup Final half-time show, inspired by the Super Bowl spectacle in the United States.

The entertainment will feature performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS, with the show produced in partnership with Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. FIFA says the performance will also support global education initiatives.

Benidorm Ready for Kick-Off

Across the Costa Blanca, excitement is reaching fever pitch.

Benidorm is expecting thousands of residents and holidaymakers to gather in bars, restaurants and public viewing areas to watch the final together.

The Julio Iglesias Auditorium in Parque de l'Aigüera will host one of the city's biggest official fan zones, where supporters can enjoy music, entertainment, food and drink before watching the match live on a giant screen.

Nearby, l'Alfàs del Pi will also screen the final on the giant cinema screen at the Roman Villa Museum in Albir, while many bars across Benidorm, Albir, Altea, Villajoyosa and Finestrat are expected to be packed long before kick-off.

With tens of thousands of Spanish supporters holidaying or living on the Costa Blanca, local businesses are preparing for one of the busiest evenings of the summer.

England Sign Off with Thrilling Third-Place Victory Over France

England head into the close season on a high after securing third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in Miami on Saturday evening.

Thomas Tuchel's side produced an outstanding first-half display, racing into a 4-0 lead through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a superb Bukayo Saka brace.

France fought back dramatically after the break, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to keep the contest alive and move level in the race for the Golden Boot, but England held their nerve. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, bringing an extraordinary ten-goal encounter to a close.

The result gives England their highest World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966 and provides a major confidence boost for Tuchel's young squad as they look ahead to future international tournaments.

England's exciting attacking football and resilient performance have also been warmly received by the large British community across the Costa Blanca, with many supporters gathering in Benidorm's bars and fan zones to celebrate an entertaining end to the Three Lions' World Cup campaign.

A Celebration Beyond Football

Regardless of the result, tonight promises to be a celebration of football, culture and the close links between Spain and Argentina.

The two nations share strong family, historical and linguistic connections, making this one of the most emotionally significant World Cup Finals ever played.

For Spain, victory would secure only the nation's second World Cup crown following the famous triumph in South Africa in 2010. For Argentina, it would reinforce their status among football's greatest nations with a fourth world title.

As kick-off approaches, anticipation is building not only in New Jersey but across Spain, where millions will be hoping La Roja can once again make history.

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA*-

🌴 WHAT’S ON ACROSS THE COSTA BLANCA

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 17th–23rd August 2026

The Costa Blanca heads into another busy week of August, with beaches packed, nightlife in full swing and a mixture of fiestas, sport, music, family entertainment and summer activities taking place across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa.

The biggest local celebrations continue in La Nucía, while Finestrat remains in the middle of its summer patron saint festivities. Benidorm has concerts, cinema and major music events, while the David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour brings international youth tennis to La Nucía throughout the week.

☀️ BENIDORM

🏖️ Beaches & Summer Activities

Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas remain at the heart of Benidorm's summer action, with swimming, water sports, boat trips and beach activities continuing throughout the week.

Popular activities include:

🏄 Paddleboarding and kayaking

🚤 Boat trips to Benidorm Island

🪂 Parasailing

🌊 Jet ski experiences

🏐 Beach volleyball

🏖️ Family beach activities

🌅 Sunset cruises

The giant BENIDORM letters on the Tamarindos Promenade remain a popular photo opportunity, while the city's beaches and waterfront continue to provide the perfect base for a classic August holiday.

🎿 Benidorm Cable Ski – 60 Years

The legendary Benidorm Cable Ski continues its 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades as one of Europe's pioneering cable-ski facilities.

🎶 Summer Entertainment

Benidorm's famous entertainment scene remains in full summer mode, with live tribute acts, cabaret, comedy, karaoke, DJs, rooftop venues, beach clubs and late-night shows continuing throughout the week.

The city's official cultural programme also continues with Concerts al Castell, running through Wednesday 19 August, and Cine en la Playa, which continues through Friday 21 August at Mal Pas Beach.

🎬 Cine en la Playa

The popular outdoor cinema programme continues at Playa del Mal Pas, with the 2026 series running from 7–21 August.

It's a great family-friendly option for anyone looking for something different from the usual nightlife.

🎵 Saturday 22 August – Big Music Night

Saturday brings a particularly busy night for music lovers.

🎧 Techno Flamenco Benidorm takes place at SkyFest from 6.00pm until midnight, combining electronic music, flamenco singers and live performances.

🔥 DBT Mob Fest takes over Penélope Benidorm, with a major urban-music line-up including Kidd Keo, Yung Sarria, Lil Gnar, Aleman and others.

🌿 ALBIR & L’ALFÀS DEL PI

Albir remains a popular alternative to the busier centre of Benidorm, with its beaches, restaurants, evening atmosphere and famous coastal scenery.

🚶 Healthy & Outdoor Activities

The Albir coastline continues to be ideal for walking, cycling and outdoor activities, particularly in the cooler morning and evening hours.

The Albir Lighthouse Trail remains one of the area's must-do walks, offering spectacular views across the Serra Gelada coastline.

♿ Accessible Beach Service

The accessible bathing service at Racó de l’Albir continues during the summer season, providing adapted facilities and assistance for visitors with reduced mobility.

Visitors can also enjoy the beach, coastal cycle routes, restaurants and evening entertainment around Albir.

🎉 LA NUCÍA – FESTES D’AGOST

One of the biggest local celebrations of the summer reaches its final two days this week.

Les Festes d’Agost run from 14–18 August 2026, with traditional celebrations, music, processions, fireworks-style pyrotechnic events, family activities and late-night entertainment.

📅 Monday 17 August

The celebrations continue with:

🌅 8.00am – Despertà through the town

⛪ 9.00am – Bell ringing

⛪ 10.00am – Santa Misa

🎉 12.00pm – Peña gathering at the San Rafael hermitage

🎺 1.00pm – Band entry

🎭 8.00pm – Gran Cabalgata Multicolor de Disfraces

🎶 12.30am – Gravity orchestra in Plaza Mayor

The colourful costume parade is one of the highlights of the fiestas.

📅 Tuesday 18 August – Final Day

The final day continues with traditional activities and the closing celebrations.

The 2026 programme includes the morning Despertà, religious celebrations and further festive activities, with a correfocs bringing the five-day fiesta programme to a spectacular close.

🎾 17–23 August – Tennis Europe David Ferrer

Away from the fiestas, La Nucía hosts an international junior tennis tournament throughout the week

The David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14 runs from 17–23 August at the David Ferrer facilities in La Nucía. It is a Category 2 Tennis Europe event on clay.

🏰 GUADALEST

The spectacular mountain village of Guadalest remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular day trips.

Visitors can explore:

🏰 Guadalest Castle

🏛️ Historic museums

⛰️ Mountain viewpoints

🌿 Walking routes

☕ Traditional cafés

🛍️ Local shops and crafts

August is a particularly popular time to visit, although the mountain location can be considerably hotter during the middle of the day.

For a more comfortable experience, an early-morning or late-afternoon visit is recommended.

🍫 VILLAJOYOSA

Colourful Villajoyosa continues its summer rhythm with its historic old town, colourful seafront, chocolate heritage and restaurants.

The Valor Chocolate Museum remains a popular daytime attraction, while the town's beaches and waterfront provide plenty of options for an evening stroll.

🎶 Friday 21 August

Music lovers can head to Roger's Temple in La Vila Joiosa for POP VIBES, featuring Aylenk.

The event is part of the venue's summer concert programme, with the performance scheduled for the evening and free entry advertised by the venue.

🌊 FINESTRAT

🎭 Patron Saint Festivities

Finestrat's major summer celebrations continue this week, with the Patron Saint festivities running from 15–24 August.

This means the town and surrounding areas remain particularly lively throughout the week, with traditional events, music, cultural activities and celebrations continuing through Sunday 23 August.

⚽ Monday 17 August – Local Football

Football fans have an extra option on Monday evening.

CF Benidorm face Villajoyosa CF in a pre-season friendly in Finestrat at 7.30pm.

🎨 ALTEA

Altea remains one of the Costa Blanca's best destinations for a relaxed evening of culture, art, restaurants and sea views.

The historic old town, church square, galleries and waterfront remain busy throughout August.

🎨 Summer Art

Altea's summer exhibition programme continues, with art exhibitions providing an alternative to the beach during the hottest part of the day.

The town is also ideal for an evening wander through the old streets before dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.

🌉 Evening Altea

Visitors can enjoy:

🎨 Art galleries

🛍️ Artisan shopping

🍷 Old-town restaurants

🎶 Summer music

🌅 Sunset walks

📸 Views from the church square

🌴 SUMMER ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE MARINA BAIXA

Even without a major one-off event, there is plenty happening across the area this week.

🏖️ Beaches and coves

🚤 Boat trips

🏄 Water sports

🎢 Theme parks

💦 Water parks

🎿 Cable Ski

🚲 Cycling and coastal walks

🌅 Sunset cruises

🎶 Live music and nightlife

August remains peak season, so popular attractions, restaurants and evening shows can become busy — particularly from Friday through Sunday.

🚔 SUMMER SAFETY

Visitor numbers remain extremely high during the August peak season, so allow extra time for traffic and parking when travelling between Benidorm, Finestrat, La Nucía, Albir and Altea.

The combination of heat, dry vegetation and strong winds can also increase wildfire danger. Follow local restrictions, never light fires or barbecues where prohibited, and report smoke or suspected fires immediately.

For outdoor activities, keep hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon where possible.

📅 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🎉 17 Aug – Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

⚽ 17 Aug – CF Benidorm v Villajoyosa CF, Finestrat, 7.30pm

🎾 17–23 Aug – David Ferrer Tennis Europe Junior Tour U14, La Nucía

🎉 18 Aug – Final day of Les Festes d’Agost, La Nucía

🎶 19 Aug – Final Concerts al Castell, Benidorm

🎬 21 Aug – Final Cine en la Playa screening of the August programme, Benidorm

🎶 21 Aug – POP VIBES with Aylenk, Roger's Temple, Villajoyosa

🎧 22 Aug – Techno Flamenco, SkyFest Benidorm

🔥 22 Aug – DBT Mob Fest, Penélope Benidorm

🌴 Every evening – Live music, entertainment and nightlife across the Costa Blanca

🌴 QUICK SUMMARY

✅ Peak August holiday season

🏖️ Beaches and water sports in full swing

🎉 La Nucía fiestas reach their finale

🎾 International junior tennis in La Nucía

⚽ Pre-season football in Finestrat

🎭 Finestrat patron saint celebrations continue

🎬 Outdoor cinema continues in Benidorm

🎶 Summer concerts continue across the Marina Baixa

🎧 Major music events in Benidorm on Saturday

♿ Accessible bathing at Albir continues through summer

🎨 Altea's art, culture and old-town attractions remain popular

🌅 Beaches, sunsets and summer nightlife across the region

🌤️ WEATHER & SUMMER ADVICE

The week of 17–23 August is expected to begin hot, with temperatures rising further towards the middle of the week before conditions become more unsettled later on.

AEMET's latest outlook indicates a significant increase in temperatures across Alicante province, with the hottest conditions expected around Wednesday and Thursday, followed by increasing cloud and a greater chance of showers or storms later in the week.

Visitors should:

💧 Drink plenty of water

🧴 Use high-factor sunscreen

🧢 Wear a hat during daytime activities

🌳 Seek shade during the hottest hours

🌅 Plan walks and outdoor activities for morning or evening

🔥 Take extra care because of the elevated wildfire risk

If you're attending outdoor events, check local weather and official warnings on the day, particularly towards the end of the week.

The message for this week is simple: beaches by day, fiestas and entertainment by night — with La Nucía, Finestrat and Benidorm providing plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the Costa Blanca. 🌴☀️🎉