Argentina vs France – World Cup final: Team news, start time, channel
Argentina take on France as Lionel Messi hopes to finally win the World Cup… but what time is kick-off? What TV channel is it on? What is their head-to-head record? And what is the team news?
- France are hoping to become the first team to defend the trophy since 1962
- Argentina will look to win the World Cup for the first time since 1986
- Lionel Messi and Co powered through the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Croatia
- France meanwhile overcome a stubborn Morocco test by winning 2-0
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Argentina will take on France in the World Cup final this afternoon with both sides confident of landing football’s biggest prize after storming semi-final victories.
Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina powered past a handy Croatia team 3-0 in the semi-final as they look to land a third title and their first since 1986 when Diego Maradona inspired them to glory.
France meanwhile saw off a stubborn Morocco test to win 2-0 as they look to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup finals since Brazil in 1962.
Argentina stars celebrate reaching the World Cup final after beating Croatia on Tuesday
They will play France after the world champions overcome a stubborn Morocco test
Many will hope the teams can repeat the thrilling action-packed drama when they last met in the tournament four years ago in Russia – which ended with France edging a seven-goal thriller.
With the match fast approaching, Sportsmail takes you through everything you need to know below.
When is the World Cup final of Argentina vs France?
Argentina and France are the only two teams left in the tournament and will compete in the World Cup final. The game will start on Sunday at 3pm GMT, 10am EST in the USA and on Monday at 1am for Australian Eastern Time.
Date: Sunday December 18
Time: 3pm (UK time), 10am (US EST), 1am – Dec 19 (AUS EST)
How to watch the World Cup final match
The World Cup final between Argentina and France will be aired live on BBC One and ITV One as well as the can be screened on the BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub for UK viewers. Welsh viewers will also be able to watch the game on S4C.
US based World Cup fans can view the match on Fox Sports 1 and the Fox Sports website with a valid login. Telemundo and Peacock will also be screening the game.
Australian fans can watch the game for free on SBS, including the live stream.
UK: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, ITV One, ITV Hub
US: Fox Sports, Telemundo and Peacock
Australia: SBS and SBS On Demand
Where is the World Cup final being played?
The World Cup final featuring Argentina vs France will take place at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
The ground has a capacity of nearly 90,000 and is a purpose built facility for the tournament and was only opened a year ago shortly after its construction was complete.
This will be its 10th match used at the tournament and has already hosted three of Argentina’s games including their shock opening game upset against Saudi Arabia, as well as a group stage victory over Mexico and the semi-final success against Croatia.
By contrast, this will be France’s first appearance at the ground.
Location: Lusail, Qatar
Stadium: Lusail Iconic Stadium
The Lusail Iconic Stadium will host the final and has featured throughout the tournament
The venue can hold up to 90,000 spectators and has hosted a match in every round
Argentina vs France – World Cup final: Team news
Argentina have positive news heading into the game, with Lionel Messi insisting he will be fit despite appearing to be holding his hamstring throughout the semi-final win over Morocco. Angel di Maria will also hope to be fit while Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel will be available again following suspension.
An untimely virus continues to sweep the France camp, with Kingsley Coman the latest doubt for Les Bleus alongside first-team stars of this tournament Dayot Upamecano and Adrien Rabiot – although the latter duo are expected to return to the fold.
There was talk of a sensational return of Karim Benzema for France, but that won’t be happening. And, in Saturday’s training session, Mbappe was seen in the centre, with Marcus Thuram on the left and therefore no space for Olivier Giroud.
Having enjoyed such a stellar tournament, it would be a major surprise if Didier Deschamps decided to leave him out, though – even if he is battling to be fit.
Lionel Messi insists he is not carrying a hamstring injury heading into the clash with France
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Franco Armani
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, German Pezzella, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna, Nicolas Tagliafico, Juan Foyth
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Guido Rodriguez, Alejandro Gomez, Enzo Fernandez, Exequiel Palacios
Forwards: Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Joaquin Correa, Paulo Dybala, Lionel Messi
France though could see a return of Adrien Rabiot after he had been set back by a virus
France squad
Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda.
Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane.
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout.
Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram, Karim Benzema.
Head-to-head record
France wins: 3
Argentina wins: 3
Draws: 6
Despite these teams having World Cup history that going back to the very first tournament they have only met three times in the competition.
Argentina won the first two encounters coming in the group stages of 1930 and 1978, but France would prevail in a last-16 clash in Russia four years ago.
A see-saw game resulted in France taking the lead with an Antoine Griezmann penalty only for Angel Di Maria and Gabriel Mercado to score for Argentina either side of half-time.
Argentina were knocked out of the 2018 World Cup in Russia by eventual winners France
France though hit a three-goal blitz in 11 minutes starting with Benjamin Pavard before the hour mark before Kylian Mbappe found the net twice.
Sergio Aguero hit a consolation goal in the last minute but it wasn’t enough to prevent Jorge Sampaoli’s side being dumped out.
Argentina have to go back 13 years for their last win over France beating them 2-0 in a Marseille friendly thanks to goals from Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi.
Road to the final
ARGENTINA
Group Stage
Saudi Arabia – lost 1-2
Mexico – won 2-0
Poland – won 2-0
Last-16
Australia – won 2-1
Quarter-finals
Holland – drew 2-2 (4-3 pens)
Semi-finals
Croatia – won 3-0
FRANCE
Group Stage
Australia – won 4-1
Denmark – won 2-1
Tunisia – lost 0-1
Last-16
Poland – won 3-1
Quarter-finals
England – won 2-1
Semi-finals
Morocco – won 2-0
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