The France vs. Argentina 2022 World Cup final has been set. After Argentina rolled past Croatia on Tuesday afternoon, France was able to defeat Morocco to end its dream run throughout the tournament as the first Africa nation to reach a World Cup semifinal.
Once the final whistle blew in France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco on Wednesday afternoon, the betting lines were released for the final, to be played Sunday. France is a slight favorite over Argentina to win the World Cup and repeat as champion, but as of Thursday night the game odds were even.
World Cup Odds: Argentina-France Odds
Per DraftKings:
Argentina: +180
Draw: +205
France: +180
To Win World Cup: Argentina (-110); France (-115)
France Looking for Rare Repeat
Although Kylian Mbappe has been leading the charge for France since the World Cup began, it was goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani that proved to be the difference in reaching the final.
France is the first defending World Cup champion to reach the final since Brazil in 1998. That year, Brazil lost to France in the final, meaning this year France will look to be the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1964-68.
Standing in its way will be an Argentina team that has faced obstacles throughout the World Cup. Needing a win just to get into the knockout rounds, Argentina was able to beat Mexico in the final game of the Group Stage to keep the dream alive for Lionel Messi, who is likely playing his last World Cup at the age of 35.
Entering his twilight years, Messi proved in the semifinal win that he’s still fully capable of dominating a game, scoring on a penalty and adding a ridiculous assist to put the game away in the second half. Messi has never won a World Cup during his storied career. He also is competing with Mbappe to win the Golden Boot as the leading goal-scorer in the tournament.
Argentina entered the tournament as the No. 2 favorite behind Brazil but fell after a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in its opening game. France rose to the second betting choice after the Group Stage.
Argentina will certainly have its work cut out if it wants to pull off the slight upset and end France’s repeat hopes.
