Who Won the 2022 FIFA World Cup? Argentina Triumphs

By Sarah Miller · September 26, 2037

Argentina won the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup, defeating France in a dramatic final on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The match ended 3-3 after extra time, and Argentina triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

Overview of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final

The 2022 FIFA World Cup concluded with one of the most thrilling finals in history. Argentina claimed their third World Cup title, following victories in 1978 and 1986, by overcoming France in a high-intensity match that captivated global audiences.

Key Moments from the Final Match

Lionel Messi scored twice—once in regulation and once in extra time—solidifying his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.
Kylian Mbappé completed a hat-trick, becoming the first player to do so in a World Cup final since 1966.
The game went to penalties after a 3-3 draw following 120 minutes of play.
Emiliano Martínez made crucial saves during the shootout, contributing significantly to Argentina’s victory.

Historical Context and Tournament Significance

The 2022 World Cup was historic for several reasons:

It was the first World Cup held in the Middle East.
The tournament took place in November and December due to Qatar’s climate, marking a departure from the traditional June-July schedule.
A total of 32 teams competed across 64 matches, hosted in eight stadiums.

Argentina’s Path to Victory

Argentina entered the tournament as strong contenders, led by captain Lionel Messi. Their journey included:

A shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia (2-1), one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Wins over Mexico, Poland, Australia, the Netherlands, and Croatia in knockout stages.
Messi finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 7 goals and winning the Golden Ball award.

France’s Performance and Legacy

As defending champions, France aimed to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. Despite falling short, they demonstrated resilience:

Advanced through group stage despite injuries to key players like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté.
Defeated England in the quarterfinals and Morocco in the semifinals.
Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 8 goals, including three in the final.

World Cup 2022 Final Match Statistics

Statistic	Argentina	France
Goals	3	3
Shots on Target	7	5
Possession (%)	54%	46%
Pass Accuracy (%)	88%	81%
Penalties Scored	4	2
Fouls Committed	12	10

Table data source:FIFA, BBC Sport

The statistics highlight Argentina’s superior control and accuracy, particularly during regular and extra time. Their higher possession and pass accuracy reflect a more dominant performance, while France relied on counterattacks led by Mbappé. The penalty shootout outcome underscored Emiliano Martínez’s impact as goalkeeper.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Football World Cup Winner

Who won the last FIFA World Cup?

Argentina won the last FIFA Men's World Cup, which took place in 2022 in Qatar. They defeated France in the final via a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw.

How many times has Argentina won the World Cup?

Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup three times: in 1978, 1986, and 2022. Their victory in 2022 ended a 36-year drought since their previous title.

Did Lionel Messi win the World Cup?

Yes, Lionel Messi won the World Cup in 2022 with Argentina. He played a pivotal role throughout the tournament and was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player.

Where was the 2022 World Cup final held?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final was held at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on December 18, 2022. The venue has a capacity of over 88,000 spectators.

What is the next FIFA World Cup format?

The next FIFA Men's World Cup in 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will feature 48 teams for the first time and include 104 matches across multiple cities.