Who Won the Last World Cup? – The most recent completed FIFA World Cup is the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in a thrilling final to claim their third World Cup title.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final: Argentina vs France
On December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium, Argentina and France played one of the greatest finals in World Cup history. The match ended 3-3 after extra time, with Argentina winning 4-2 on penalties.
Lionel Messi scored twice in regulation and extra time, while Kylian Mbappé netted a hat-trick for France—the first since 1966 in a World Cup final. Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made crucial saves, and Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive penalty.
This victory marked Argentina’s first World Cup win since 1986 and fulfilled Messi’s dream of lifting the trophy.
Key Highlights from Argentina’s 2022 Campaign
- Group Stage Drama: Argentina suffered a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia but recovered to top their group.
- Knockout Stages: They defeated Australia, the Netherlands (in a penalty shootout), and Croatia en route to the final.
- Messi’s Dominance: Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists.
- Mbappé’s Heroics: The French star scored 8 goals overall, earning the Golden Boot.
Why This Victory Mattered for Fans in the USA?
American soccer fans followed the 2022 World Cup closely, with record viewership on Fox and Telemundo. Argentina’s win resonated widely due to Messi’s global superstar status and the dramatic final, which many consider one of the best ever.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, excitement is building for the next chapter. The 2022 triumph set a high bar for defending champions Argentina.
FIFA World Cup Winners: Recent History
Here’s a quick look at the most recent champions:
- 2022: Argentina (def. France)
- 2018: France (def. Croatia)
- 2014: Germany (def. Argentina)
- 2010: Spain (def. Netherlands)
Argentina now sits with three titles, behind Brazil’s five.
Looking Ahead to World Cup 2026
As the expanded 48-team tournament unfolds on U.S. soil (with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey), fans are eager to see if Argentina can defend their crown or if a new champion will emerge.
For live updates, scores, and more on the ongoing 2026 tournament, check official sources.
Sources: Information drawn from official FIFA records, Wikipedia summaries, and reputable sports outlets like FOX Sports and CBS.
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