<P> The final tournament involves 32 national teams , which include 31 teams determined through qualifying competitions and the automatically qualified host team . Of the 32 teams , 20 make back - to - back appearances following the last tournament in 2014 , including defending champions Germany , while both Iceland and Panama make their first appearances at a FIFA World Cup . A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities . The final will take place on 15 July at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow . </P>
<P> The final tournament involves 32 national teams , which include 31 teams determined through qualifying competitions and the automatically qualified host team . Of the 32 teams , 20 make back - to - back appearances following the last tournament in 2014 , including defending champions Germany , while both Iceland and Panama make their first appearances at a FIFA World Cup . A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities . The final will take place on 15 July at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow . </P>
where is the world cup final being held
where is the world cup final being held
Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow
Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow