On one side stand the 2022 World Cup champions and three-time winners Argentina, proudly holding up pamphlets bearing the slogan "Us against the world" in bold red. On the other stand, well, the representatives of the other 47 teams at the tournament.

From record-shattering ticket prices and a star-studded halftime performance to the debut of championship rings and a high-stakes diplomatic guest list, the final is shaping up to be the most consequential sporting event of the decade.

A tournament official confirmed that protocols dictate that training must be suspended whenever lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the site.