Who Won the World Cup Football 2022? Argentina Champions

By Sarah Miller · May 5, 2040

Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in football, 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 previous victories in 1978 and 1986, after an intense clash against defending champions France.

Key Moments of the Match

Argentina took a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Lionel Messi (penalty, 23') and Ángel Di María (36').
France failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Kylian Mbappé scored two goals within 97 seconds late in the second half (80', 81') to level the score at 2-2.
Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 118th minute, becoming the second player in history to do so in a World Cup final.
Lionel Messi scored in both regular and extra time, finishing with two goals in the match.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made crucial saves during the penalty shootout.

Argentina's Road to Victory

Under the leadership of coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina entered the tournament with high expectations fueled by their Copa América 2021 win. Despite a shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia, they won six consecutive matches to lift the trophy.

Tournament Journey Highlights

Group Stage: Finished top of Group C with wins over Mexico and Poland after losing to Saudi Arabia.
Round of 16: Defeated Australia 2-0.
Quarterfinal: Beat the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Semifinal: Overcame Croatia 3-0, with Messi and Julián Álvarez scoring.
Final: Defeated France 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

Player Performances and Awards

Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, while Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot for scoring 8 goals.

Award	Winner	Nation	Key Statistic
Golden Ball	Lionel Messi	Argentina	7 goals, 3 assists
Golden Boot	Kylian Mbappé	France	8 goals
Golden Glove	Emiliano Martínez	Argentina	23 saves, 3 penalty saves in knockout stage
Young Player Award	Enzo Fernández	Argentina	1 goal, 1 assist, 92% pass accuracy
FIFA Fair Play Trophy	England	England	Fewest fouls and yellow cards among finalists

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights individual excellence across key categories. Messi’s all-around impact earned him the Golden Ball despite not leading in goals. Mbappé’s 8-goal haul set a modern-era record for a single tournament. Martínez’s performance under pressure solidified his reputation as a clutch goalkeeper.

Historical Context and Legacy

Argentina’s victory cemented Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest players in football history, completing his collection of major international honors. This win marked the first time since 1978 that Argentina won the World Cup on home soil—or in this case, without conceding a goal during regular time in knockout rounds until the final.

Total World Cup titles: Brazil (5), Italy (4), Germany (4), Argentina (3), Uruguay (2), France (2), England (1), Spain (1).
Last five tournaments: 2018 – France; 2014 – Germany; 2010 – Spain; 2006 – Italy; 2002 – Brazil.
Only three players have won the World Cup more than once: Pelé (1958, 1962, 1970), Cafu, Vittorio Pozzo (as manager).

Frequently Asked Questions About the World Cup Football Winner

Who won the last FIFA World Cup in football?

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

When did Argentina win the World Cup?

Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup three times: in 1978, 1986, and 2022. Their most recent victory came on December 18, 2022, when they beat France in the final.

Did Lionel Messi win a World Cup?

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

What was the score in the 2022 World Cup final?

The 2022 World Cup final ended 3-3 after extra time. Argentina won 4-2 in the penalty shootout. Goals were scored by Messi and Di María for Argentina, and Mbappé (three goals) for France.