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| Country That Won the Last World Cup |
Discover which country that won the last World Cup, how Argentina triumphed in the dramatic 2022 final, and what it means for football history with key facts and highlights.
When people search for the country that won the last World Cup, they’re usually looking for one clear answer about the most recent edition of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. With global interest in football (soccer) at an all-time high, it’s worth not only knowing who won—but how they won, the context of their victory, and what it means in the grand story of the World Cup.
The last completed FIFA World Cup took place in Qatar in 2022, and the answer to “which country that won the last World Cup?” is Argentina. This article explores Argentina’s historic triumph, key moments from the tournament, how they clinched their title, notable performers, and what this victory means for football fans around the world.
Argentina – The Most Recent FIFA World Cup Champions
The country that won the last World Cup was Argentina, who lifted the prestigious FIFA World Cup trophy at the end of a thrilling tournament held in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. This marked Argentina’s third World Cup in history and their first in 36 years.
Argentina’s win captivated global audiences with dramatic matches, iconic performances, and one of the sport’s greatest players finally achieving football’s highest prize.
Argentina’s World Cup Victory: What Happened in 2022?
In the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina faced France in what is widely regarded as one of the most exciting finals in World Cup history.
Final Match Highlights
- Venue: Lusail Stadium, Qatar
- Final Score: Argentina 3–3 France after extra time
- Result: Argentina won 4–2 on penalties
- Date: 18 December 2022
The match was a back-and-forth thriller, with Argentina taking an early lead, France staging an extraordinary comeback, and the outcome being decided by a tense penalty shootout.
Lionel Messi scored twice, including a vital goal in extra time, while French superstar Kylian Mbappé delivered a rare hat-trick, making the match one of the most memorable finals in history.
Argentina’s Football Legacy and Third World Cup Title
With this victory, Argentina joined an elite club of nations that have won multiple FIFA World Cup championships.
Argentina’s World Cup Titles
- 1978: Argentina won its first World Cup on home soil.
- 1986: Led by Diego Maradona, Argentina won its second title in Mexico.
- 2022: Lionel Messi captained the side to a historic third title in Qatar.
This championship added Argentina to the list of countries with three or more World Cup wins, behind only Brazil (five titles) in overall global totals.
So Who Is the Country That Won the Last World Cup?
In short:
The country that won the last World Cup (2022) was Argentina.
They beat France in the final on penalties after a 3-3 draw, earning their third trophy in the history of the tournament.
This victory was particularly special for Lionel Messi, one of the game’s all-time greats, who had long pursued the one accolade missing from his legendary career.
How Argentina’s 2022 World Cup Win Unfolded
Group Stage and Knockout Rounds
Argentina’s road to the final wasn’t smooth. They dropped points in the group stage and needed to regroup in the knockout rounds. But once they gained momentum, they became one of the most compelling squads in the tournament.
Key Players in Argentina’s Squad
- Lionel Messi: Captain and inspirational leader who scored key goals throughout the tournament.
- Ángel Di María: Provided crucial goals and experience in midfield and attack.
- Emiliano Martínez: Goalkeeper whose saves in the shootout and tournament helped secure Argentina’s path to the title.
The blend of youth, experience, tactical coherence, and individual brilliance propelled Argentina to victory.
What This Victory Means for Football History
Argentina’s triumph in 2022 is significant for several reasons:
Lionel Messi’s Legacy
Messi’s performance throughout the tournament, especially in the final, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. His World Cup win filled the only major gap in a career full of club and international honors.
Global Impact
The match drew massive global viewership and sparked discussions across continents about football’s evolution. Analysts hailed the 2022 final as one of the most engaging in World Cup history, combining high-pressing tactics with individual skill and dramatic momentum swings.
The Road Ahead: The Next World Cup
With Argentina as the last World Cup winner, football fans now look toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This event will be the first to expand to 48 teams, promising even more drama and global engagement.
The defending champions will enter 2026 with Argentina’s squad aiming to retain their title, while nations like Brazil, France, and England will seek to reclaim the top spot.
A Complete List of World Cup Winners (For Context)
While the focus here is on the most recent champion, it’s helpful to see Argentina’s place within the broader history of the World Cup:
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2018 | France |
| 2022 | Argentina |
| 2014 | Germany |
| 2010 | Spain |
| 2006 | Italy |
| (Source: comprehensive historical list of FIFA World Cup winners) |
This context shows how the title of country that won the last World Cup fits into the historical lineage of champions.
Why Football Fans Care About the Last World Cup Champion
The title of “most recent World Cup winner” brings immense prestige. It reflects not only success in a 32-team tournament but excellence over a month of intense global competition involving the world’s best national teams.
Argentina’s 2022 victory marked:
- A triumph for a footballing nation rich in tradition
- A historic end to a long wait for Messi’s greatest prize
- A dramatic and memorable final that will be talked about for decades
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Conclusion: Argentina – The Latest World Cup Champions
So, to answer the question which country that won the last World Cup:
Argentina proudly claimed the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, defeating France in a stunning final that ended 3-3 after extra time and 4-2 on penalties. It was a tournament filled with unforgettable moments and cemented Argentina’s status as a footballing powerhouse.
As the world now looks to 2026, Argentina carries the mantle of defending champions—an honor rich with history, excellence, and global admiration.
