And then there were two. Spain and Argentina will do battle for the most coveted prize in football, as they contest the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
It’s set to be a blockbuster affair full of storylines in New Jersey. From Lionel Messi taking on the potential heir to his throne, Lamine Yamal, to the defending champions looking to become one of very few nations to win back-to-back World Cups.
But where can you watch all the drama unfold?
The BBC and ITV have once again gone head-to-head throughout the tournament, alternating games to provide coverage of the World Cup to the UK.
As is tradition, though, both broadcasters will screen the final on BBC One and ITV1. This has been the case for all finals during the 60 years they have held the rights to the tournament.
With the summer’s showpiece now on our doorstep, Daily Mail Sport takes a look at how both the BBC and ITV will be broadcasting the final, from who is presenting to the pundits providing the analysis.
Both BBC and ITV will be broadcasting the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina
Daily Mail Sport takes a look at te coverage both broadcasters will be providing from New Jersey and New York
Join the discussion
What makes you trust one channel’s World Cup coverage over the other during such a huge final?
How long is the coverage?
The topic of how long pre-match coverage has been at this World Cup has been rife of late. Plenty of fans want to take in as much of the build-up as they possibly can, demanding a longer lead-up to the final.
Well, no matter which channel viewers pick, they will get an hour of build-up before the final kicks off.
Both the BBC and ITV have their coverage set to begin at 7pm BST. This is in spite of the closing ceremony, which includes the likes of Tom Cruise, iShowSpeed, and national treasure Robbie Williams taking to the stage, starting at 6.30pm.
There will also be a half-time show for the first time in World Cup history. This is expected to result in an interval of more than 20 minutes, which breaches the laws of the game.
BBC and ITV have made room in their show for the potential of a 30-minute break, and will both broadcast the likes of Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber performing in the Super Bowl-style half-time show.
Given the addition of two three-minute hydration breaks, the showcase fixture could take a staggering 160 minutes should it go to extra-time, not allowing for injury time or penalties.
However, both British broadcasters will be cutting it close for time if the game does go all the way. The BBC are set to take their coverage off air at 11pm BST, while ITV will close its show 15 minutes later. This is, of course, subject to change.
Both BBC and ITV have made wriggle room to broadcast the first-ever World Cup half-time show, with Shakira (pictured) performing alongside several big names
Who’s presenting and where will they be?
The BBC finally made the move to the US ahead of England’s semi-final with Argentina, following a four-week period of covering the World Cup from Salford.
Mark Chapman presented their coverage of the Three Lions’ heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the defending champions; however, he will not be back for the final. Instead, Gabby Logan will be the presenter inside the MetLife Stadium.
While BBC’s coverage will be provided solely from within the ground, ITV has opted to stay at their stunning Brooklyn studio, with Mark Pougatch presenting in front of the now ever-familiar backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. However, Laura Woods and Karen Carney will broadcast from a studio within the stadium.
ITV had previously planned to have their entire crew cover the final from within the stadium if England had progressed past Argentina. But due to their defeat at the hands of Lionel Messi and Co, the decision was made to stick with the US capital-based studio.
Who are the pundits and commentators?
BBC have gone with an all-English punditry line-up for the final, despite England’s defeat to Argentina meaning they will play in the Bronze final match.
Wayne Rooney, Micah Richards, and Joe Hart have built a clear chemistry when on punditry duty together across the tournament, and impressed the nation with their coverage of the Three Lions’ exit.
The three former England stars will all come together again to provide analysis from within the MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Kelly Somers will likely reprise her role as the pitchside reporter after providing cutting-edge coverage of England over the summer, and Guy Mowbray will be joined by former England captain Alan Shearer in the commentary booth.
The iconic punditry trio of Roy Keane (left), Ian Wright (right), and Gary Neville for ITV from their studio in Brooklyn
Wayne Rooney (left), Micah Richards (right) , and Joe Hart (middle) will re-unite in New Jersey
For ITV, Pougatch will be joined as ever by the iconic punditry trio of Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Gary Neville.
That means that neither broadcaster will provide a punditry angle from either Spain or Argentina for the final. Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata had previously been on duty for BBC and ITV, respectively, but have not been given the call-up.
Commentary-wise, lead commentator Sam Matterface will be the voice of ITV’s in-game coverage, while he will be joined by his usual right-hand man Lee Dixon, as well as Ally McCoist.
