2022 FIFA World Cup — Qatar.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Qatar (20 Nov – 18 Dec 2022) with 32 teams. Champion: Argentina. The final was Argentina 3–3 France (4–2 pens) at Lusail Stadium, Lusail. Top scorer: Mbappé (8).
The story of 2022
The first World Cup in the Arab world and the first in November–December. Widely called the greatest final ever: Lionel Messi finally won the trophy as Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3–3 thriller in which Mbappé scored a hat-trick in defeat. Morocco became the first African team to reach the semifinals. Saudi Arabia beat Argentina; Japan beat Germany and Spain.
Edition facts
| Host | Qatar |
| Dates | 20 Nov – 18 Dec 2022 |
| Teams | 32 |
| Format | Groups → knockout (winter) |
| Champion | Argentina |
| Runner-up | France |
| Final | Argentina 3–3 France (4–2 pens) |
| Final venue | Lusail Stadium, Lusail |
| Third place | Croatia |
| Top scorer | Mbappé (8) |
| Best player (Golden Ball) | Messi |
| Official mascot | La'eeb |
| Official ball | Al Rihla |
| Total attendance | 3,404,252 |
| Total goals | 172 |
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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