Argentina v France preview

Argentina v France World Cup guide – the fixtures, results, team news and odds

It all comes down to this. Who’ll be crowned the world’s best? France or Argentina?

France are aiming to become just the third side to successfully defend their crown after Italy (1934 & 1938) and Brazil (1958 & 1968).

This will be Argentina’s sixth final – only Germany (8) have competed in more. So far, their World Cup final record sees two wins (1978 & 1986) with three defeats. A loss here would see them join Germany on the most defeats in the final in World Cup history (4).

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina overcame a rocky start to their campaign, falling to a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia. From then on, every game has been a knockout, but ‘La Albiceleste’ have shown their resolve and grit to make the final, with Lionel Messi leading from the front. Only Spain in 2010 have lost their opening game before going on to lift the trophy.

Things were slightly easier for France in the group stage. After winning their first two games and booking their place in the round of 16, Didier Deschamps rotated his side for the Tunisia match. That’s ‘Les Bleus’’ only defeat in Qatar after seeing off Poland, England and Morocco to set-up this mouth-watering clash with Argentina.

Here’s how each side have made their way to the final:

When is Argentina v France at the 2022 World Cup?

World champions France face Argentina in the World Cup final at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail on Sunday, 18th December. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT.

Argentina lead the head-to-head record having won six of their 12 previous meetings. Two of those came in the 1930 and 1978 World Cups.

However, it was France who came out on top in their last meeting, which was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The round of 16 clash was a seven-goal thriller that saw Antoine Griezmann open the scoring and Kylian Mbappe net a second-half double.

Check out our in-depth look at the France national team

What are the odds on Argentina v France at the 2022 World Cup?

We can’t split them. France and Argentina are both 9/5 to win the World Cup final in 90 minutes and lift the famous trophy. It’s 19/10 that it’s level after normal time.

If you think the game will need more than 90 minutes, we’ve got specific markets for either side to win on penalties or win in extra time. While you can back France to lift the trophy at 4/5, with Argentina at EVS.

Lionel Messi’s opener in the 3-0 semi-final win over Croatia saw him join Kylian Mbappe on five goals for the tournament. Four of Messi’s five strikes have been the opening goal, and you can get a 5/1 top price on the GOAT opening the scoring.

Messi has 11 goals and eight assists in 25 World Cup appearances. If he’s scores or assists in the final, he’ll become the first player to record 20 goal involvements in the competition.

There’s not just the World Cup trophy on the line in the final. Messi is battling with his PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe to claim the Golden Boot. The French forward has five goals and scored twice when the sides met at the 2018 World Cup. Check out our 6/1 Top Price Guarantee on him to score first.

Julian Alvarez bagged a brace against Croatia to surge up to four goals in the tournament. The Man City forward is 27/10 to score in 90 minutes, while he’s 18/1 to bang in another double.

Latest odds on Argentina v France

What is the latest Argentina v France team news and injury news?

Lionel Scaloni can recall full-backs Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel after their suspensions for the semi-final. However, Nicolas Tagliafico could keep his place at left-back. Rodrigo De Paul’s game time has been managed through the tournament, getting through 74 minutes against Croatia.

France have no fresh injuries or suspensions to deal with ahead of the final, leaving Didier Deschamps to pick an unchanged side. Dayot Upamencano and Adrien Rabiot missed the semi-final win over Morocco but are expected to overcome illness and be recalled to the starting eleven.

Who are Argentina and France’s key players?

Argentina captain and talisman Lionel Messi is their go-to player for a spark or a moment of brilliance. He’s shown that several times during this World Cup, especially with his through ball to Nahuel Molina that opened the scoring in their quarter-final victory against the Netherlands. While Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul have been able to break up opposition play in the middle of the park.

Kylian Mbappe has been the star for France during the World Cup. His five goals see him in contention for the Golden Boot, which he’s 11/8 to win. While he’s 9/2 to pip Messi to the Golden Ball.

Olivier Giroud leads the line well and overtook Thierry Henry as France’s leading goalscorer earlier in the tournament, while Antoine Griezmann is given the licence to roam, pulling the strings from deeper positions.

What are the odds on Argentina or France to win the 2022 World Cup?

Two sides are left in the tournament. Who do you think will lift the famous trophy in Lusail on Sunday?

We give France the slight advantage at 4/5 to win the World Cup and defend the crown they won in Russia four years ago. It’s EVS for an Argentina triumph, where we get to see Lionel Messi get his hands on one of the only trophies missing from his cabinet.

Who are the managers of Argentina and France?

Lionel Scaloni is Argentina’s head coach and since stepping into the role he’s brought immediate success. He ended their long 28-year wait to win the Copa America in 2021, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final. Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game remains their only loss in their last 42 matches (in 90 mins).

Didier Deschamps had an illustrious career as a player and was capped 103 times for France. The success has followed him into management, since he took over as the national team’s head coach in 2012.

The progress under Deschamps is clear to see. A quarter-final at the 2014 World Cup was followed by the Euro 2016 final. Then, they went all the way to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia. More glory has followed with France lifting the 2020-21 Nations League, beating Spain 2-1 in the final. Now, he leads his nation into another World Cup final.