2018 FIFA World Cup — Russia.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Russia (14 June – 15 July 2018) with 32 teams. Champion: France. The final was France 4–2 Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. Top scorer: Harry Kane (6).
The story of 2018
France's second title, powered by a teenage Kylian Mbappé. Croatia, a nation of four million, reached their first final after three straight extra-time wins; Luka Modrić won the Golden Ball. VAR debuted at a World Cup. Russia hosted amid much pre-tournament scepticism that the football swept aside.
Edition facts
| Host | Russia |
| Dates | 14 June – 15 July 2018 |
| Teams | 32 |
| Format | Groups → knockout |
| Champion | France |
| Runner-up | Croatia |
| Final | France 4–2 Croatia |
| Final venue | Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow |
| Third place | Belgium |
| Top scorer | Harry Kane (6) |
| Best player (Golden Ball) | Modrić |
| Official mascot | Zabivaka |
| Official ball | Telstar 18 |
| Total attendance | 3,031,768 |
| Total goals | 169 |
Related
See the full finals history, the all-time statistics tables, and our top-20 player legends. For the current edition, the standings and World Cup 2026 hub are live.
Tables and ranking points refresh as matches finish. Standings · Match schedule · World Cup 2026
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