Griezmann: World Cup final fear only disappears with first whistle

France forward Antoine Griezmann says the intense anxiety before a World Cup final does not lift until the referee blows the whistle to start the match.

The 2018 World Cup winner and 2022 runner-up, now playing for Orlando City, was reflecting on the unique pressure of football’s biggest game as Spain prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup final.

Griezmann, who lifted the trophy with France in Russia and then lost the final in Qatar, said: “There is a lot of tension.”

‘A journey of swirling emotions’

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, the French attacker described the build-up to a World Cup final as an emotional rollercoaster.

“You look forward to the match impatiently, and a lot of situations go through your mind,” he said.

“Then you arrive at the stadium and you see the flags of different countries, many cultures around you, and your country’s fans wearing your shirt… there is a lot of happiness, a lot of passion, a lot of pride as well. But there is a lot of tension until the referee blows the whistle to start the match.”

Griezmann’s comments come as the global spotlight turns to the showdown between Spain and Argentina, a fixture he says he will follow closely because of his personal ties to both squads.

Watching Spain–Argentina from afar

The Orlando City forward revealed he will be an avid viewer of the final given the number of familiar faces involved.

He has former team-mates and friends in both the Spanish and Argentine camps after long spells in La Liga with Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, as well as his years with the France national side.

Griezmann admitted he has deliberately stayed quiet in the days leading up to the game.

“I wish them all the best, but I do not send them a message so as not to bring bad luck,” he said with a smile.

‘A unique moment’ for Spain

Griezmann also lifted the lid on a brief exchange with Spain midfielder Marcos Llorente after La Roja eliminated France in the semi-finals.

“He is extremely happy. And I think the whole country is very happy,” Griezmann said.

“They have to enjoy this moment because it is unique, and it may never be repeated.”

Spain are aiming to add a second World Cup title to their 2010 triumph, while Argentina are seeking to extend their recent dominance on the global stage.

Why Griezmann chose Major League Soccer

The 33-year-old went on to explain why he opted to start a new chapter in Major League Soccer with Orlando City.

“It was always my dream to finish my career here,” he said. “I wanted to come when I was at my best physically and mentally. I met with the club’s executives and I liked their philosophy. I also loved the city.”

Griezmann added that the decision was a major life step for his family as well as his career.

“I called my wife and told her this is the perfect time to move here and take this big step,” he said.

The Frenchman is expected to be one of MLS’s marquee attractions in the coming seasons, but his thoughts, for now, are firmly fixed on the tension, spectacle and emotion of another World Cup final – this time as a spectator rather than a protagonist.