Who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Quick answer
Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, beating France on penalties (4–2) after a 3–3 draw in the final on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium. It was Argentina’s third World Cup title, after 1978 and 1986, and the crowning moment of Lionel Messi’s career. The next tournament, in 2026, was won by Spain.
The final
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 23' | Messi scores a penalty: 1–0 Argentina |
| 36' | Ángel Di María finishes a brilliant counterattack: 2–0 |
| 80’ and 81' | Kylian Mbappé scores twice in 97 seconds: 2–2 |
| 108' | Messi scores in extra time: 3–2 |
| 118' | Mbappé completes a hat-trick from the penalty spot: 3–3 |
| Shootout | Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saves; Argentina win 4–2 |
Many fans and pundits called it the greatest World Cup final ever played.
Individual awards
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Golden Ball (best player) | Lionel Messi |
| Golden Boot (top scorer) | Kylian Mbappé, 8 goals |
| Golden Glove (best goalkeeper) | Emiliano Martínez |
| Best Young Player | Enzo Fernández |
Mbappé became only the second man, after England’s Geoff Hurst in 1966, to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
A tournament of firsts
- The first World Cup held in the Middle East and in an Arab country
- The first held in November–December, to avoid Qatar’s summer heat
- Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals
After Qatar
| Year | Host | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Russia | France |
| 2022 | Qatar | Argentina |
| 2026 | USA, Canada, Mexico | Spain, 1–0 over Argentina after extra time |
The 2026 tournament was the first with 48 teams. For the very first tournament, see who won the first World Cup. For the Argentine legend before Messi, see who scored the Hand of God goal.
Sources
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