After 62 matches, the World’s biggest tournament reaches its conclusion this weekend. Here is all you need to make sure you don’t miss the World Cup Final and third-place play-off, including the start time and how to watch for both matches.
For those who have not tuned in to any games for the past few weeks, Argentina and France will face-off to determine the next World Champion. The Albiceleste are trying to claim their first World Cup since 1986.
It would also give Lionel Messi an elusive World Cup, cementing him as football’s greatest-ever player in many people’s eyes.
Meanwhile, France are trying to become the first country to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962. Despite a collection of injuries, Kylian Mbappe and Les Bleus stand on the brink of back-to-back titles.
Away from the final, there is also a match to determine the last podium spot in Qatar 2022. Although they have not matched their exploits in Russia, Croatia can still claim third at this World Cup. This would be the second time that Croatia have finished in third place after achieving this at France ’98.
In contrast, Morocco are in unknown territory. They became the first African team to reach a World Cup Semi-final. But unfortunately, they will not be in the final following their 2-0 loss to France. A win in the play-off would seal a historic tournament for the Atlas Lions, though.
Start time of the World Cup Final and third-place playoff
The upcoming World Cup Final has a start time of 3pm on Sunday 18 December. This is earlier than the semis, allowing more favourable times for audiences around the world.
Make sure to organise your Sunday roast around the match, though!
Similarly, Morocco v Croatia takes place on Saturday 17 December. The third-place play-off also kicks off at 3pm, so you cannot mix them up.
Qatar’s World Cup Final is at the Lusail Iconic Stadium – the huge, circular, 88,000-capacity arena in Lusail City. The match for third will take place at the historic Khalifa International Stadium.
But how can you tune into these massive occasions?
How to watch the Final
So, for Argentina v France, viewers in the United Kingdom actually get a choice of channels. Both BBC and ITV will have their own coverage of the event. Therefore, the choice is yours.
BBC’s show, presented by Gary Lineker, begins at 1:50pm on BBC One. In comparison, ITV get their coverage started slightly earlier, from 1:30pm on ITV1. The HD channel number for BBC is 101, while ITV’s is 103.
In contrast to the final, the third-place game is only on BBC. They begin their pre-match show at 2:30pm, just half an hour before kick-off.
If you do not have a TV to hand, do not worry. Both BBC (iPlayer) and ITV’s (ITVX) streaming services will be showing the Final, and iPlayer will stream Croatia-Morocco. These are available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and online. Additionally, you can access these services on Amazon Firesticks and Chromecast.
Messi’s last chance at winning the World Cup, amongst so many other narratives, makes for unmissable viewing. We hope you enjoy the games!
Featured image credit: Getty
