MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 11: A view of the trophy as the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began with the unveiling of the countdown clock in Mexico City, Mexico on June 11, 2025. Fans gathered to celebrate the milestone, marking the final …
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The last FIFA World Cup took place in Qatar in 2022, and Argentina claimed the championship in a dramatic, high-scoring final that captivated fans around the world. Led by captain Lionel Messi, Argentina defeated France to secure the nation’s third FIFA World Cup title and its first since 1986.
What happened in the final
Argentina controlled much of the match before France mounted a stunning late comeback. After regulation and extra time ended in a 3–3 draw, the World Cup champion was decided by a penalty shootout. Argentina won the shootout 4–2, sealing the victory and delivering Messi the one major trophy that had eluded him.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with the World Cup trophy at the end of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Get …
The final featured multiple momentum swings, a hat trick from France’s Kylian Mbappé and goals from Messi at crucial moments — elements that led many fans and analysts to call it one of the greatest World Cup finals in history.
Argentina’s historic win
The 2022 championship gave Argentina its third World Cup, joining previous titles won in:
- 1978
- 1986
The win also cemented Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, marking the pinnacle of his international career.
What's next:
The next FIFA World Cup will be played in 2026 across the United States, Mexico and Canada. With an expanded 48-team field and venues spanning North America, it will be the largest tournament ever staged.
The Source: This story is based on information from FIFA’s official World Cup records.