France claimed their second FIFA World Cup title in Russia in 2018, the first World Cup held in Eastern Europe.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 21st FIFA World Cup
- Matches played
- 64
- Teams competing
- 32
- Estimated cost
- Over $14.2 billion USD
- Attendance
- Over 3 million people
- Tournament dates
- 14 June – 15 July 2018
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Russia was awarded hosting rights for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in late 2010. The tournament brought together 32 national teams, with 31 qualifying through regional competitions and host nation Russia entering automatically. Iceland and Panama made their World Cup debuts.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was held across 12 venues in 11 Russian cities from 14 June to 15 July 2018. France defeated Croatia 4–2 in the final at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Defending champions Germany were eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1938.
France claimed their second World Cup title, extending Europe's consecutive championship streak to four tournaments. Luka Modrić won the Golden Ball, Harry Kane won the Golden Boot with six goals, and Thibaut Courtois won the Golden Glove. The tournament became the most expensive World Cup held until 2022.
Result
at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow