The World Cup final is upon us. This is what it has all been leading up to over the past four weeks of action-packed football. Either Argentina or France will be crowned as the world champions this afternoon with both competing for a third World Cup title and a third star above their nation's crests.
Here is everything you need to know about Sunday’s showpiece.
Argentina v France - Final
Where: Lusail Stadium, Lusail
When: 3pm (GMT) / 6pm (AST)
TV: BBC One, ITV1, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, STV, STV Player and BBC Sport website
Last meeting: France 4-3 Argentina (Kazan, 2018 World Cup)
Argentina’s semi-final result: Won 3-0 v Croatia
France’s semi-final result: Won 2-0 v Morocco
Argentina squad: 1 Franco Armani, 2 Juan Foyth, 3 Nicolas Tagliafico, 4 Gonzalo Montiel, 5 Leandro Paredes, 6 Gaston Pezzella, 7 Rodrigo De Paul, 8 Marcos Acuna, 9 Julian Alvarez, 10 Lionel Messi, 11 Angel Di Maria, 12 Geronimo Rulli, 13 Cristian Romero, 14 Exequiel Palacios, 15 Angel Correa, 16 Joaquin Correa, 17 Alejandro Gomez, 18 Guido Rodriguez, 19 Nicolas Otamendi, 20 Alexis Mac Allister, 21 Paulo Dybala, 22 Lautaro Martinez, 23 Emiliano Martinez, 24 Enzo Fernandez, 25 Lisandro Martinez, 26 Nahuel Molina
France squad: 1 Hugo Lloris, 2 Benjamin Pavard, 3 Axel Disasi, 4 Raphael Varane, 5 Jules Kounde, 6 Matteo Guendouzi, 7 Antoine Griezmann, 8 Aurelien Tchouameni, 9 Olivier Giroud, 10 Kylian Mbappe, 11 Ousmane Dembele, 12 Randal Kolo Muani, 13 Youssouf Fofana, 14 Adrien Rabiot, 15 Jordan Veretout, 16 Steve Mandanda, 17 William Saliba, 18 Dayot Upamecano, 20 Kingsley Coman, 21 Lucas Hernandez, 22 Theo Hernandez, 23 Alphonse Areola, 24 Ibrahima Konate, 25 Eduardo Camavinga, 26 Marcus Thuram
READ MORE:
- How Scaloni has guided Argentina to the WC final
- World Cup final is not Mbappe v Messi
- World Cup final odds with Betfred*
Preview: Argentina have done well to silence their critics after their opening defeat against Saudi Arabia and they have continued to evolve as the tournament has progressed. Of course they have been largely helped by the sorcery of veteran Lionel Messi who has been having the World Cup of his life in Qatar. The Paris Saint-Germain star is joint-top scorer at the tournament with five, alongside his club teammate Kylian Mbappe, with this game looking to decide the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards as well as the World Cup winners. Messi is supported by the talented youngsters in Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez who also have the capabilities to help the superstar win the crown jewel of his career.
Reigning champions France are looking to become the third nation after Italy and Brazil to win consecutive world titles and with how they have performed throughout this winter tournament, it is hard to bet against Didier Deschamps’ side. Argentina will need to watch Mbappe, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele because they all have the quality to really hurt them. Griezmann in particular has been the key for France this winter and it is going to be a creative battle between him and Messi that will decide this one you feel.
Sportsman stat: France are unbeaten in their last 10 World Cup matches against South American nations (W6 D4). Their last defeat came against Argentina in a 2-1 defeat during the 1978 group stage.
Betfred match odds (90 mins): Argentina 9/5, France 9/5, draw 21/10
Favourites for first goalscorer: Lionel Messi (Argentina) 7/2, Kylian Mbappe (France) 4/1, Olivier Giroud (France) 11/2
Featured bet: Over 2.5 goals - 11/8
World Cup winner: Argentina 10/11, France 10/11
*18+ | BeGambleAware
