It’s Argentina vs. France in the World Cup final: Here’s how to watch and what to know
World Cup #WorldCup
After a tournament that saw 32 teams from across the world compete, the 2022 FIFA World Cup being held in Qatar has now come down to just two teams:
Argentina and France.
For those following along the tournament and making predictions along the way, this was a match-up that was hopeful for many. Both sides have won the glory before each having twice won the tournament. It is the storylines that are driving so much excitement.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
As defending World Cup champion, France has the opportunity to have back-to-back titles with the talents of Kylian Mbappé.
More:Three keys for Argentina and France to win 2022 World Cup final
Argentina, on the other hand, seeks to win the tournament and for Lionel Messi to finally get the one trophy he has yet to collect in his career full of gold.
Here’s what you need to know if you want to watch the exciting conclusion to this year’s World Cup:
Who is in the World Cup final?
Argentina will compete against France. France is the current World Cup champion, having defeated Croatia 4-2 in the final of the tournament held in Russia in 2018.
France is aiming to become the third team in history to win consecutive World Cup finals, following Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
Argentina, on the other hand, recently claimed the title of South American champions by defeating Brazil 1-0 in the 2021 Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium. This marked Argentina’s first Copa América victory since 1993 and relieved the team of the pressure to win a major tournament with Lionel Messi on the roster.
When is the World Cup final?
Argentina and France will kick off the 22nd World Cup final at 8 a.m. Arizona time on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Messi’s hometown hope he will bring the World Cup
SHARE
SHARE
TWEET
SHARE
What to watch next
Is this the best the NFC East has ever been? Mike Golic weighs in
USA TODAY SPORTS
Joe Montana shares his advice to 49ers QB Brock Purdy
USA TODAY SPORTS
Who should own the Washington Commanders? RG3 weighs in
USA TODAY SPORTS
WNBA star Brittney Griner released after prisoner swap between US and Russian
USA TODAY SPORTS
Can Brock Purdy lead the Niners to the Super Bowl? Here’s what Joe Montana thinks
USA TODAY SPORTS
Good News: Gift exchange leaves everyone in happy tears.
USA TODAY SPORTS
Yankee for life: Aaron Judge agrees to mega-deal to stay in pinstripes
USA TODAY SPORTS
Joe Montana jokes Tom Brady can play until 60: ‘They don’t even touch him’
USA TODAY SPORTS
Where will Aaron Judge sign? Pete Caldera and Bob Nightengale have the latest
USA TODAY SPORTS
NFL Up Vote: Should the 49ers keep Jimmy G for seasons to come?
USA TODAY SPORTS
Unreal soccer goal named USA TODAY Sports Awards Play of the Month
USA TODAY SPORTS
NFL post-Week 13 power rankings: Bengals, Cowboys take big leaps
USA TODAY SPORTS
NFL Up Vote: Is it time for the Packers to start Jordan Love?
USA TODAY SPORTS
Jessica Mendoza on why Aaron Judges’ time in the Bronx is over
USA TODAY SPORTS
Watch middle school basketball player make full-court buzzer beater to win the game!
USA TODAY SPORTS
Click to expand
UP NEXT
What time is the World Cup final?
The final begins at 8 a.m. Arizona time, 7 p.m. PT, 9 p.m. CT, and 10 p.m. EST.
How to watch the 2022 World Cup live
To watch the 2022 World Cup on TV, you will either have to tune in to Telemundo, which NBC owns, or Fox. Subscription services Peacock, Fubo, SlingTV and Vidgo are also live-streaming the matches.
More:Watch Argentina take on France in the World Cup Final at these metro Phoenix bars
Where can I watch the World Cup in metro Phoenix?
Weren’t able to score last minute tickets to go see the World Cup Final in person? Not to worry you are not alone. For football fans in the Valley there are several sports bars that will be showing the games and offering a chance to cheer with fellow fans.
Who is playing for France’s National Football team?
In the team’s semifinal victory against Morocco, France’s starting lineup included: Hugo Lloris, Jules Koundé, Raphaël Varane, Ibrahima Konaté, Theo Hernández, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Youssouf Fofana, Ousmane Dembélé, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud.
Starting lineups for the World Cup Final will be announced before the game begins.
More:France has World Cup fever — not the good kind — ahead of final vs. Argentina
Who is playing for Argentina’s National Football team?
In last week’s semifinal game against Croatia where Argentina won in a 3-0 victory the starting lineup included: Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Starting lineups for the World Cup Final will be announced before the game begins.
More:Lionel Messi set multiple records in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup semifinal win over Croatia
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: It’s Argentina vs. France in the World Cup final: Here’s how to watch and what to know