Our experts are back to predict the World Cup final outcome

The quality of football alone, this might be one of the best World Cups in history. It has been full of drama, shocks, surprises and exhilarating moments, and now culminates with a supremely competitive final between Argentina and France.

Much like the article we ran pre-tournament (you can view that here!), we have asked all of our SBK pundits to get off the fence and tell us who they think will win the World Cup 2022 Final. Take it away, Gary...

Gary Pallister

Former England International
Pre-tournament selection: France

Despite picking France before the tournament started, I like Argentina in the final. I’m going with my heart, and what I would hope to see. Lionel Messi is the player who will make this World Cup memorable. He will just want to cement his name into history - and I think he will be hugely influential in the match. 

It will be interesting to see how France manager Didier Deschamps tries to deal with Messi, and if indeed he can stop him. My score prediction would be 1-0 Argentina, with either a Messi goal or assist. 

Robin Bairner

Football expert
Pre-tournament selection: Brazil

This World Cup has been Lionel Messi’s tournament - he could have the Golden Ball, the Golden Boot and the Jules Rimet trophy in his possession by Monday. This will surely be his last chance to play in a World Cup final, so look for him to make his mark. 

Argentina: possess a powerful offensive unit that includes Lionel Messi (right)

Messi became just the fifth player to score in each knockout round leading up to the World Cup final, and would make history if he found the net in Sunday’s crucial match. Argentina are likely to be the hungrier team in this encounter, so look for Messi to find the net and lead his side to glory.

Lee Sharpe

Former England International
Pre-tournament selection: Brazil

My prediction is an Argentina 3-1 win over France. This could be Lionel Messi’s last game for Argentina and I fancy him to lift the World Cup. Kylian Mbappe will have plenty more chances in his career to win it again.

Messi should create a number of chances going forward and Julian Alvarez should pop a couple of those in the back of the net. If France have to chase the game towards the end, expect them to open up and allow Argentina to score again.

Joe Crann

Football expert
Pre-tournament selection: Brazil

Other than France’s 2018 World Cup win, recent finals have tended to be relatively low-scoring (the four prior to 2018 were all under 2.5 goals, and three went beyond 90 minutes) - and it feels like this could be another tense affair. 

There’s a lot on the line. Neither side will be looking to open up too soon, and you can get a half time draw at 1.99 if you want to go down that route. You can also back extra time at 2.84, which is the way I’m playing. 

This World Cup final between France and Argentina could go either way, but it might also be one of the greatest matches in history.

Greg Lea

Football expert
Pre-tournament selection: Spain

France are the narrow favourites to win the final, but I’m backing Argentina to lift the trophy for a third time. Lionel Scaloni’s side has grown into the tournament and Lionel Messi looks like a man on a mission as he attempts to claim the prize that has eluded him for so long.

For all their considerable qualities, France generally struggle to control games and that could be their undoing against the Albiceleste, who have shown impressive tactical flexibility with their switching between different systems. Back Argentina to come out on top on Sunday.

Tom Collins

SBK tipster
Pre-tournament selection: England

The general consensus is that Lionel Messi will win his first World Cup with Argentina, but I’m swaying from the norm and backing France. 

Both of these teams have defensive frailties, so I expect there to be goals, but the recent international tournament experience edge goes to Les Bleus. Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud have proved potent since the outset of this competition, while Antoine Griezmann’s playmaking ability will allow them to control midfield.

Ibrahima Konate’s addition to the starting line-up against Morocco solidified their back four and, although it will be a closely-fought game and a good watch for the neutral, I’ll be firmly routing for the French.