2018 World Cup — Match schedule.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The 2018 FIFA World Cup ran 14 June – 15 July 2018 with 64 matches at 12 venues. The opening match was Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia, and the final was France 4-2 Croatia.
2018 match schedule — summary
| Dates | 14 June – 15 July 2018 |
| Total matches | 64 |
| Teams | 32 |
| Venues | 12 |
| Opening match | Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia |
| Final | France 4-2 Croatia |
| Format | Groups → knockout |
The story
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.
Knockout fixtures & results
Round of 16
- France 4-3 Argentina
- Uruguay 2-1 Portugal
- Spain 1-1 Russia (3-4 pens)
- Croatia 1-1 Denmark (3-2 pens)
- Brazil 2-0 Mexico
- Belgium 3-2 Japan
- Sweden 1-0 Switzerland
- Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 pens)
Quarterfinals
- Uruguay 0-2 France
- Brazil 1-2 Belgium
- Sweden 0-2 England
- Russia 2-2 Croatia (3-4 pens)
Semifinals
- France 1-0 Belgium
- Croatia 2-1 England (a.e.t.)
Third-place playoff
- Belgium 2-0 England
Final
- France 4-2 Croatia
Related
See the full 2018 edition profile, the 2018 final classification, and our finals history.
Tables and ranking points refresh as matches finish. Standings · Match schedule · World Cup 2026
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