The 22nd FIFA World Cup, which was played in 2022 and was won by the national football team of Argentina, was an international football competition between the men's national teams of FIFA's member countries. It was the second World Cup staged fully in Asia after the 2002 competition in South Korea and Japan, and it was held in Qatar from November 20, 2022, to December 18, 2022. It was the first World Cup to be held in the Arab and Muslim worlds. After defeating Croatia 4-2 in the championship match of 2018, France was the reigning champion.
The number of teams competing grew to 48 for the 2026 edition, making this event the last with 32 teams. The event was held indoors to avoid the scorching climate's extremes in Qatar, The occasion took place in November and December. 64 matches were contested in eight locations across five cities within a condensed 29-day period. As the host nation, Qatar automatically qualified for the competition—their first World Cup—along with 31 other teams chosen through the qualification procedure.
After a 3-3 stalemate after extra time, Argentina defeated France in the championship match, prevailing 4-2 on penalties to claim the trophy. Argentina won their third championship, their first since 1986, and became the first country from South America to take home the trophy since 2002. Kylian Mbappé of France became the first player since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 World Cup final to score a hat-trick who scored the most goals (eight) during the competition to win the Golden Boot in the 1966 World Cup final. Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, was selected as the competition's top player and awarded the Golden Ball. The Golden Glove and Young Player Awards, given to the best goalkeeper and best young player, respectively, went to teammates Emiliano and Enzo Fernández. With 172 goals scored, the event broke the previous record for most goals scored in a 32 team format.
Concerns were expressed about the government's treatment of migrant workers, women, and LGBT people as well as Qatar's environment when it was decided to host the World Cup in that country, the absence of a vibrant football culture, the alteration of the schedule, and suspicions of FIFA corruption, including bribes for hosting rights.
Argentina and France competed in the final on December 18. The tournament has been won by both teams twice before. [241] Argentina got off to a strong start against the French, leading 2 - 0 thanks to goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Mara. [241] [242] France did not register a shot until after the 70th minute of the first half, despite many substitutes, but were energized by fresh replacements in the 71st. Randal Kolo Muani was hauled down in the penalty area a little while later, and France was given a penalty. Less than two minutes later, Mbappé scored again to tie the game. He also converted the penalty. [242] The game proceeded into overtime with a score of two goals apiece. In the 108th minute, Messi scored his second goal. Argentina now has the advantage after one minute. In contrast, Mbappé was given a second penalty in the 115th minute when Gonzalo Montiel's arm was struck by his shot. After Geoff Hurst for England in 1966, Mbappé became the second player to ever score a hat-trick in a World Cup final when he scored his third goal. [242] A penalty shootout was used to decide the contest when the score was deadlocked at 3-3. Argentina won the match 4-2, scoring all of its penalties in the process. [242] Their third World Cup triumph and first since 1986 was celebrated by this. Additionally, it was the first time in 20 years that a South American side won both the World Cup and the Copa América.
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