Which Country Won the Last FIFA World Cup?
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| Which Country Won the Last FIFA World Cup? |
The last FIFA World Cup, held in Qatar in 2022, was won by Argentina. This victory marked Argentina’s third World Cup title, following their previous wins in 1978 and 1986. The final match, played on 18 December 2022 at Lusail Stadium, was hailed as one of the greatest football matches in history.
A Historic Final: Argentina vs France
Argentina faced defending champions France in a thrilling final that ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time. The match was decided by a penalty shootout, with Argentina winning 4–2 on penalties.
Goalscorers:
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Argentina:
- Lionel Messi (2 goals – one penalty, one in extra time)
- Ángel Di María (1 goal)
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France:
- Kylian Mbappé (3 goals – a hat-trick, including 2 penalties)
Key Highlights from the Final
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Lionel Messi’s Moment of Glory
- At 35 years old, Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy in what may be his last appearance at the tournament.
- He became the first player to score in every stage of a World Cup: Group Stage, Round of 16, Quarter-final, Semi-final, and Final.
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Kylian Mbappé’s Hat-trick
- Mbappé became only the second player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, the first being Geoff Hurst (England, 1966).
- He also won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer with 8 goals.
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Record Viewership
- The final drew billions of viewers worldwide and was celebrated for its drama, pace, and emotional stakes.
- FIFA’s official match report confirms Argentina’s remarkable win.
Argentina’s Road to Victory
Argentina had a challenging start, losing their opening game to Saudi Arabia (2-1). However, they bounced back strongly:
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Group Stage:
- Lost to Saudi Arabia (1-2)
- Beat Mexico (2-0)
- Beat Poland (2-0)
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Round of 16: Defeated Australia (2-1)
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Quarter-finals: Beat the Netherlands on penalties (2-2, 4–3 pens)
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Semi-finals: Overcame Croatia (3-0)
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Final: Beat France (3-3, 4–2 pens)
Impact of the Win on Argentina
The win united a football-loving nation and sparked nationwide celebrations across Argentina. Lionel Messi’s legacy was sealed, with many fans and pundits placing him alongside or above Diego Maradona as the country’s greatest footballer.
The triumph also brought renewed global interest in Argentine football and boosted the image of South American football internationally.
FIFA World Cup Winners List (Recent Editions)
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Qatar | Argentina | France |
| 2018 | Russia | France | Croatia |
| 2014 | Brazil | Germany | Argentina |
| 2010 | South Africa | Spain | Netherlands |
For full historical results, visit the FIFA World Cup archive.
When Is the Next FIFA World Cup?
The next FIFA World Cup will be held in 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will feature 48 teams instead of 32, making it the biggest World Cup ever.
Stay tuned for tournament updates, qualifiers, and the top scorers by following the latest FIFA Club World Cup 2025 top scorers.
Final Thoughts
Argentina won the last FIFA World Cup (Qatar 2022) in spectacular fashion, defeating France in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw. The victory not only crowned Lionel Messi’s illustrious career but also delivered one of the most unforgettable finals in football history.
To explore more sports highlights and updates on WAFCON 2025 results or top footballers in Nigeria, check out relevant football news and analysis pages.
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