2022 FIFA World Cup final
The 2022 FIFA World Cup final was the decisive association football match that determined the champion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 22nd edition of the men's international tournament organized by FIFA and hosted by Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022.[1] Contested between Argentina and defending champions France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on 18 December 2022, the game ended 3–3 after extra time, with Argentina prevailing 4–2 in the penalty shoot-out to claim their third World Cup title and first since 1986.[2] The match drew an attendance of 88,966 spectators and was officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak.[3][4] Argentina took an early lead through a 23rd-minute penalty by captain Lionel Messi, followed by Ángel Di María's goal in the 36th minute, making it 2–0 at half-time.[2] France mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a penalty in the 80th minute and an equalizer just 97 seconds later, before completing a hat-trick with another penalty in extra time at the 118th minute to level the score at 3–3.[2] Messi restored Argentina's lead in the 108th minute during extra time, but Mbappé's late response forced the shoot-out, where Emiliano Martínez's saves and Argentina's composure secured the victory.[2] The final is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling World Cup deciders in history due to its end-to-end action, individual brilliance from Messi—who scored twice and provided an assist—and Mbappé's hat-trick, the first in a World Cup final since 1966. For Argentina, the triumph fulfilled Messi's long pursuit of international silverware beyond the Copa América, cementing his legacy, while France's loss ended their bid for consecutive titles under Didier Deschamps. The match's global viewership exceeded 1.5 billion, marking it as among the most watched sporting events ever recorded.[5]Tournament and Host Context
Qatar's Bid and Preparations
Qatar submitted its bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in 2009, emphasizing the opportunity to host the tournament in the Arab world for the first time and leveraging its economic resources from natural gas exports to fund comprehensive infrastructure development.[6] On December 2, 2010, at the 61st FIFA Congress in Zürich, Switzerland, Qatar's bid was awarded hosting rights after defeating the United States 14-8 in the final voting round among the FIFA Executive Committee.[7][8] The process eliminated Australia (1 vote in first round), Japan (7 votes in second), and South Korea (5 votes in third), marking Qatar as the first Middle Eastern nation selected to host the event despite initial concerns over its small population of approximately 2 million and hot climate.[9][8] Allegations of corruption and bribery surrounding the bidding process, including claims of inducements to FIFA officials, prompted investigations by FIFA's Ethics Committee and other bodies; however, the committee ultimately cleared Qatar's bid of wrongdoing in a 2014 report, attributing issues to individual misconduct rather than systemic bid irregularities.[10] Post-award preparations involved investments exceeding $220 billion in infrastructure aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, focusing on transforming the country into a global hub through projects like eight new modular stadiums incorporating energy-efficient cooling systems to address desert temperatures, with total stadium construction costs under $10 billion.[11][12][13] Key developments included expansions to Hamad International Airport to handle increased passenger volumes, construction of the Doha Metro rapid transit system spanning over 76 kilometers, highway upgrades, and addition of tens of thousands of hotel rooms to accommodate up to 1.5 million visitors.[11][14] These efforts, largely funded by Qatar's sovereign wealth and hydrocarbon revenues, shifted the tournament schedule to November-December to avoid summer heat exceeding 40°C, enabling air-conditioned environments in stadiums and fan zones.[15] FIFA provided technical support and approximately $123 million in direct investments for the event, offset by host contributions, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.[16]Labor Conditions and Human Rights Debates
The preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar drew widespread criticism for the treatment of migrant workers, primarily from South Asia, who comprised the bulk of the construction labor force for stadiums and infrastructure. Under the kafala sponsorship system, employers held significant control over workers' residency, mobility, and employment, often leading to practices such as passport confiscation, wage withholding, and restrictions on leaving the country without permission.[17] [18] Workers frequently paid illegal recruitment fees averaging thousands of dollars to secure jobs, accruing debts that bound them to exploitative conditions, with reports of unpaid wages for months and deductions for food and housing that left many in poverty.[19] [20] Construction sites operated in extreme heat exceeding 40°C (104°F), with workers enduring 12-hour shifts six or seven days a week, contributing to health risks including heatstroke and exhaustion; inadequate safety measures and substandard dormitory housing—often overcrowded and lacking ventilation—exacerbated vulnerabilities.[21] [22] In response to international pressure, Qatar enacted reforms starting in 2016, including abolishing the exit permit requirement, allowing job changes without employer consent from 2020, and establishing a minimum wage of about 1,000 QAR ($275) monthly, though enforcement remained inconsistent, with many workers unaware of rights or facing retaliation for complaints.[17] [19] Debates over migrant worker fatalities intensified scrutiny, with estimates varying sharply due to incomplete records and differing attributions. Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy reported three work-related deaths and 37 non-work-related ones on World Cup sites from 2014 to 2022, attributing most to natural causes like cardiac arrest.[23] However, investigations by outlets like The Guardian tallied over 6,500 deaths among South Asian migrants in Qatar since 2010, linking many to labor strains such as heat exposure and overwork, though not exclusively to World Cup projects amid a broader migrant influx for unrelated development.[24] World Cup chief Hassan al-Thawadi acknowledged 400 to 500 deaths tied to tournament infrastructure in a 2022 interview, while NGOs like Amnesty International argued for fuller accountability and compensation, noting Qatar's official statistics of 15,021 non-national deaths from 2010-2019 lacked detailed breakdowns.[25] [26] These figures fueled accusations of underreporting, though causal links to specific abuses required verification beyond aggregate data, as Qatar maintained fatalities aligned with workforce scale—over 2 million migrants in construction.[27] FIFA, facing calls from human rights groups, conditioned support on Qatar's compliance with ILO standards and established a human rights advisory board, yet post-tournament reviews highlighted unremedied abuses, including lack of systematic compensation for affected families.[28] [29] Critics from organizations like Human Rights Watch contended that FIFA's oversight failed to prevent exploitation, while defenders noted the event spurred partial reforms and job creation, albeit with persistent gaps in implementation a year after the final on December 18, 2022.[30] [31] Broader human rights concerns, such as restrictions on free speech and assembly for workers protesting conditions, intertwined with labor issues, though Qatar emphasized cultural norms and security needs in hosting the first Middle Eastern World Cup.[32]Broader Geopolitical and Cultural Criticisms
Critics contended that Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup served as sportswashing to obscure its controversial foreign policy, including financial and diplomatic support for groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, which some Western governments classify as terrorist organizations.[33] Qatar has maintained a political office for Hamas leaders in Doha since 2012 and channeled billions in aid to Gaza, prompting accusations from Israel and U.S. lawmakers that such ties undermine counterterrorism efforts, even as Qatar positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts during the tournament.[34] The event amplified Qatar's soft power ambitions, facilitating post-blockade reconciliation with Gulf neighbors via the 2021 Al-Ula Agreement and enhancing its role in U.S.-brokered deals, such as the 2020 Afghanistan evacuation, while critics argued FIFA's selection legitimized an expansionary policy rooted in Al Jazeera's promotion of Islamist narratives.[35][33] Culturally, the World Cup exposed tensions between Qatar's conservative Islamic norms—where homosexuality is criminalized with up to seven years' imprisonment and public alcohol consumption is prohibited—and the expectations of a global audience accustomed to liberal expressions. FIFA reversed plans for beer sales in stadiums on November 18, 2022, just days before the opening match, yielding to Qatari authorities' insistence on upholding local traditions, a decision that drew backlash for prioritizing host preferences over fan amenities.[36] Similarly, on November 21, 2022, FIFA threatened yellow cards to captains intending to wear OneLove armbands symbolizing support for LGBT inclusion, forcing teams from seven European nations, including England and Germany, to comply; Germany's squad responded by posing with taped mouths in protest, highlighting curbs on symbolic dissent.[37][38] Incidents such as a U.S. journalist being briefly denied stadium entry for wearing a rainbow shirt underscored enforcement of these restrictions.[39] Qatari officials and supporters dismissed much of the outcry as Western hypocrisy and cultural imperialism, arguing that the event's success—drawing over two million visitors and fostering interfaith dialogues—challenged assumptions of universal liberal values, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino decrying Europe's "2000 years of hypocrisy" on rights issues.[40] From a Qatari viewpoint, policies like armband bans preserved religious principles against imposed individualism, while Western media's focus on alcohol and LGBT matters reflected an Orientalist bias overlooking similar domestic restrictions in Europe.[41] Despite the controversies, attendance by Western leaders and normalized diplomatic engagements suggested pragmatic acceptance of Qatar's geopolitical leverage, including hosting U.S. military assets at Al Udeid Air Base.[33]Historical and Team Background
Prior Argentina-France Encounters
Argentina and France have met 13 times in senior men's international football prior to the 2022 World Cup final, with Argentina securing 7 victories, France 3 wins, and 3 draws; Argentina has scored 22 goals to France's 16 in these encounters.[42][43] The teams first faced off on July 15, 1930, during the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Uruguay, where Argentina defeated France 1-0 in the group stage at Estadio Pocitos, with Carlos Peucelle scoring the lone goal.[44] Their second World Cup meeting occurred on June 3, 1978, in Buenos Aires, as Argentina hosted and won 2-1 in the second group stage, with goals from Mario Kempes and Osvaldo Ardizzone offsetting Didier Six's reply for France.[44][45] In non-World Cup fixtures, notable results include Argentina's 1-0 victory in a 2007 friendly in Lyon, Luis González scoring, and a 2-0 win in a 2009 friendly in Paris, with goals from Javier Pastore and Diego Milito.[44] France's most recent prior triumph came in the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 on June 30 in Kazan, Russia, prevailing 4-3 in a high-scoring affair; Benjamin Pavard, Kylian Mbappé (twice), and Olivier Giroud scored for France, while Argentina's goals were by Gabriel Mercado, Ángel Di María, and Sergio Agüero, marking Mbappé's breakout performance with a hat-trick at age 19.[45][44]| Date | Competition | Result | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 July 1930 | FIFA World Cup Group Stage | Argentina win | 1-0 | Montevideo, Uruguay |
| 2 June 1978 | FIFA World Cup Second Group Stage | Argentina win | 2-1 | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| 7 February 2007 | Friendly | Argentina win | 1-0 | Lyon, France |
| 11 February 2009 | Friendly | Argentina win | 2-0 | Paris, France |
| 30 June 2018 | FIFA World Cup Round of 16 | France win | 4-3 | Kazan, Russia |
Argentina's National Team Trajectory
Argentina's national football team has a storied history in the FIFA World Cup, securing victories in 1978 and 1986, with the latter triumph led by Diego Maradona's iconic performances.[46] The team reached the final on three other occasions, finishing as runners-up in 1930, 1990, and 2014, while accumulating 47 wins across 82 matches in 19 tournaments prior to 2022.[47] This record underscores Argentina's consistent contention for global honors, though prolonged periods without titles highlighted challenges in converting talent into sustained success. In continental competition, Argentina dominated the Copa América, claiming 15 titles before 2021, more than any other nation, with victories spanning 1921 to 1993.[48] A 28-year major trophy drought followed the 1993 Copa América win, marked by early tournament exits and final losses, including three consecutive defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals and the 2014 World Cup final under Lionel Messi’s captaincy.[49] This era exposed vulnerabilities in team cohesion and mentality despite individual brilliance from stars like Messi, who holds records such as most assists in a single Copa América (5 in 2021).[50] The appointment of Lionel Scaloni as head coach in 2018 marked a turning point, evolving the squad through tactical flexibility, defensive solidity, and youth integration, including players like Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez.[46] Scaloni's tenure yielded the 2021 Copa América title, ending the drought with a penalty shootout victory over Brazil, followed by the 2022 Finalissima against Italy.[49] Entering the 2022 World Cup, Argentina boasted a 36-match unbeaten streak since a 2019 semifinal loss to Brazil, the longest active run globally at the time, reflecting enhanced resilience and preparation.[51][52] This momentum positioned the team as favorites, blending Messi's experience with a cohesive unit primed for redemption.[53]France's Defending Champion Status
France entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the defending champions after securing their second title in the 2018 edition by defeating Croatia 4–2 in the final on 15 July 2018 at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.[54][55] The victory featured an own goal, a penalty converted by Antoine Griezmann, and strikes from Kylian Mbappé and Paul Pogba, with Croatia responding through Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić despite two own goals aiding France.[56][57] This success under head coach Didier Deschamps, who had captained France to their inaugural World Cup win in 1998, positioned him as only the second individual—after Brazil's Mário Zagallo—to achieve the tournament's triumph both as a player and manager.[58][59] The 2018 campaign highlighted France's tactical pragmatism and defensive solidity, conceding just six goals across seven matches while relying on rapid counterattacks led by emerging talents like Mbappé, who scored four times including in the final.[60] Deschamps' leadership emphasized collective discipline over individual flair, a approach that propelled France past strong opponents such as Argentina in the round of 16 and Belgium in the semifinals.[61] Entering 2022, this defending status carried expectations for France to challenge the historical "champion's curse," where most recent titleholders failed to advance beyond the group stage in the subsequent tournament, though France's robust qualification and roster depth—bolstered by stars like Mbappé, now a global standout—fueled optimism for a repeat.[62][63]Venue and Pre-Match Setup
Lusail Stadium Specifications
Lusail Stadium, located in Lusail City approximately 15 kilometers north of Doha, served as the venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final on December 18, 2022.[64] The stadium features a capacity of 88,966 spectators during the tournament, making it the largest venue in Qatar and the Middle East at the time.[65] Designed primarily by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Populous as sports architect and Arup as engineers, the structure incorporates a 307-meter-diameter tensile cable-net roof, one of the largest of its kind globally.[66] The stadium's exterior consists of a burnished golden vessel-like facade with triangular openings that provide shade and evoke the form of a traditional Arab 'fanar' lantern, integrating motifs from Arab and Islamic art.[66] Internally, it employs a radial seating bowl with three continuous tiers to ensure proximity between spectators and the pitch, fostering an immersive atmosphere; this includes dedicated areas for 300 VVIP seats, 1,700 VIP seats, and extensive media facilities.[67] Construction commenced in 2017 and the venue opened on November 21, 2021, ahead of the World Cup.[66] Sustainability features include a PTFE-coated roof for protection against environmental elements, a solar-powered cooling system, use of recycled water, and water-efficient fixtures that conserve 40% more fresh water than conventional stadiums, earning a five-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System.[64] Following the tournament, portions of the modular upper tiers were planned for disassembly to reduce capacity for community use, including conversion into affordable housing, shops, health clinics, and a local football pitch.[64]Event Logistics and Fan Experience
The 2022 FIFA World Cup final took place on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, a venue with a capacity of 88,000 designed specifically for the tournament.[65] The match drew an attendance of 88,966 spectators, marking the highest for a World Cup final since 1994 and reflecting strong global interest despite logistical challenges in the host nation.[68] Organizers facilitated access through an extensive public transportation network, including free metro, buses, and light rail services for ticket holders, supplemented by taxis and dedicated shuttles to manage the influx of over 1.4 million international visitors to Qatar during the event.[69][70] Security protocols were stringent, incorporating facial recognition technology at entry points and drone surveillance over stadium perimeters to ensure orderly crowds and prevent disruptions.[71] Digital ticketing systems allowed for contactless scanning, expediting entry and reducing bottlenecks, though pre-tournament trials at Lusail revealed initial issues like long queues and insufficient water provisions that were addressed by the final.[72][73] A last-minute policy reversal banned alcohol sales at all stadiums, including the final, limiting consumption to official fan zones and licensed hotels, which some fans viewed as a relief amid cultural sensitivities but drew criticism for inconsistency after earlier permissions.[74][75] Fan experiences varied, with reports highlighting an electric atmosphere free of obstructed views and vibrant pre-match energy in Doha-based fan zones accommodating up to 40,000, where alcohol remained available.[76][77] Accessibility features, including adapted transport and stadium infrastructure, supported disabled spectators, while broader crowd management emphasized diversified viewing options to distribute flows beyond the stadium.[78] Despite restrictions on public alcohol and cultural norms prohibiting certain displays of affection, the event proceeded without major incidents, underscoring effective planning for a high-stakes gathering in a conservative host environment.[79]Qualification Paths to the Final
Argentina's Knockout Progression
Argentina faced Australia in the round of 16 on December 3, 2022, at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, securing a 2–1 victory. Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a low shot from the edge of the box after a quick exchange with Alexis Mac Allister, followed by Julián Álvarez doubling the lead in the 57th minute via a through ball from Messi that he finished past Mathew Ryan. Australia's Craig Goodwin pulled one back in the 77th minute with a powerful strike, but Emiliano Martínez preserved the win with key saves, including denying Aziz Behich late on. In the quarter-finals against the Netherlands on December 9, 2022, at Lusail Stadium, Argentina prevailed 4–3 on penalties after a 2–2 draw that extended to extra time. Nahuel Molina scored in the 35th minute from a Messi corner, and Messi converted a penalty in the 73rd minute after a foul on Ángel Di María. The Dutch equalized dramatically in stoppage time with Wout Weghorst's volley in the 90+10th minute and a deflected shot in the 90+11th. No goals in extra time led to the shootout, where Martínez's saves on Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, plus Argentina's perfect conversion, advanced them; Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive kicks.[80] Argentina dominated Croatia 3–0 in the semi-finals on December 13, 2022, at Lusail Stadium, earning a final berth. Messi scored from the penalty spot in the 34th minute after a foul on Álvarez, who then netted in the 39th minute following a Messi assist through the defense. Álvarez added a third in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a Croatian error to round Dominik Livaković. The victory showcased Argentina's control, with Croatia managing only limited chances despite Luka Modrić's efforts.[81][82]France's Defensive Run
France advanced from Group D with a perfect record of three victories, conceding just two goals across the group stage matches held between November 22 and December 1, 2022. In their opener against Australia on November 22 at Al Janoub Stadium, France conceded an early penalty but recovered to win 4-1, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris making crucial saves to limit further damage after Mat Ryan's error led to Australia's goal.[83][84] Against Denmark on November 26 at Stadium 974, France led 1-0 until conceding a late equalizer in the 86th minute via a deflected Andreas Christensen shot, but secured a 2-1 win with Kylian Mbappé's brace; the defense, anchored by Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba, restricted Denmark to minimal clear chances despite their possession edge.[83][84] They capped the group with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia on December 1 at Education City Stadium, maintaining a clean sheet through disciplined marking and Lloris's handling of set pieces, despite playing with 10 men after 20 minutes following a red card to Adrien Rabiot.[83][84] In the knockout stages, France's defense demonstrated greater solidity, conceding only two goals over three matches while progressing to the final. The round of 16 clash against Poland on December 4 at Al Thumama Stadium ended 3-1, with Robert Lewandowski converting a first-half penalty as the sole blemish; France's backline, featuring Raphaël Varane's return alongside Saliba, neutralized Poland's counter-threats post-halftime, allowing no further shots on target.[84][85] The quarterfinal against England on December 10 at Al Bayt Stadium was a 2-1 triumph marked by defensive resilience under intense pressure, as Harry Kane's 54th-minute penalty equalized temporarily; Lloris's saves, including against Bukayo Saka, and organized pressing from midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga limited England to one goal despite their 58% possession and higher expected goals (xG of 1.6 versus France's 1.2).[84][85] The semifinal against Morocco on December 14 at Al Bayt Stadium showcased France's peak defensive form in a 2-0 win, securing a clean sheet against the tournament's surprise semifinalists. Morocco's high-pressing style generated early chances, but France's center-back pairing of Dayot Upamecano and Saliba, supported by full-backs Theo Hernández and Jules Koundé, effectively contained wing threats like Hakim Ziyech and Sofyan Amrabat, conceding zero shots on target after the 20th minute; this performance underscored France's tactical adaptability under Didier Deschamps, prioritizing compact shape to absorb and counter Morocco's attacks.[84][85] Overall, France allowed just four goals en route to the final, with Lloris recording 17 saves across the tournament and the defense benefiting from low concession rates in high-stakes games, enabling reliance on offensive firepower from Mbappé and Olivier Giroud.[83]Pre-Match Developments
Lineups, Tactics, and Injuries
Argentina selected a starting lineup in a 4-3-3 formation for the final on December 18, 2022, emphasizing attacking width and midfield control to support Lionel Messi's roaming role.[86][87]| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Emiliano Martínez |
| RB | Nahuel Molina |
| CB | Cristian Romero |
| CB | Nicolás Otamendi |
| LB | Marcos Acuña |
| CM | Alexis Mac Allister |
| CM | Enzo Fernández |
| CM | Rodrigo De Paul |
| RW | Ángel Di María |
| LW | Lionel Messi |
| ST | Julián Álvarez |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Hugo Lloris |
| RB | Benjamin Pavard |
| CB | Raphaël Varane |
| CB | Dayot Upamecano |
| LB | Theo Hernández |
| DM | Aurélien Tchouaméni |
| DM | Adrien Rabiot |
| RW | Ousmane Dembélé |
| AM | Antoine Griezmann |
| LW | Kylian Mbappé |
| ST | Olivier Giroud |
Predictions, Odds, and Atmosphere
Prior to the match on December 18, 2022, expert predictions for the final were divided, reflecting Argentina's strong knockout-stage momentum under Lionel Scaloni and France's status as defending champions with a potent attack led by Kylian Mbappé. Some analysts, emphasizing Argentina's resilience after their group-stage loss to Saudi Arabia and Messi's personal stakes in securing a first World Cup title at age 35, forecasted an Argentine victory, potentially via penalties following a draw.[92] Others highlighted France's depth, recent semifinal dominance over Morocco (2-0), and ability to generate goals independently of any single player, predicting a French win in regulation time.[93][94] For instance, former player Chris Sutton predicted a 2-1 France victory, citing their tactical flexibility and counterattacking threat.[93] Betting odds portrayed a closely contested matchup, with Argentina installed as slight favorites to lift the trophy at -125 (implying approximately a 55.6% probability), reflecting their unbeaten run through the knockouts and public sentiment favoring Messi's narrative.[95] In contrast, the 90-minute moneyline odds were nearly even, listing Argentina at +160 to +185, France at +175 to +185, and a draw at +190 to +205 across major sportsbooks like Caesars and FOX Bet, underscoring expectations of a tight affair potentially extending beyond regulation.[95][96] The over/under for total goals was set at 2.5, aligning with both teams' tournament averages of around 1.8 goals per match in the knockouts.[97] The pre-match atmosphere at Lusail Stadium was electric, amplified by the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony featuring performances and light projections that illuminated the venue's exterior in team colors, drawing global attention to the clash between Messi's quest for immortality and France's bid for back-to-back titles.[98] Fans from both nations converged outside the 80,000-capacity stadium, creating a vibrant scene with Argentine supporters chanting in large numbers—bolstered by South America's proximity and Messi's draw—while French fans added to the tension with displays of national pride, all under partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 22°C (72°F).[99] This buildup underscored the final's stakes as one of the most anticipated in World Cup history, with an official attendance of 88,966 reflecting widespread enthusiasm despite Qatar's logistical constraints on fan travel.[100]Match Execution
First Half Events
Argentina exerted early dominance, securing 64% possession in the opening half while France appeared disorganized and unable to mount sustained attacks.[2] In the 13th minute, Argentina created the first clear chance when Alexis Mac Allister's shot was saved by Hugo Lloris after a quick transition.[87] The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Ousmane Dembélé fouled Marcos Acuña in the penalty area, prompting referee Szymon Marciniak to award a penalty following an on-field review without VAR intervention.[101] Lionel Messi converted the spot-kick, placing the ball low to Lloris's left for a 1-0 lead, marking his first goal in a World Cup final.[102] [103] Argentina extended their advantage in the 36th minute through Ángel Di María, who finished a swift counter-attack initiated by Messi's interplay with Julián Álvarez, culminating in Álvarez's precise through-ball that Di María tapped in at the far post.[104] [103] France's attempts remained ineffective, with zero shots on target before halftime and limited involvement from forwards like Kylian Mbappé, who was closely marked.[87] The half concluded with Argentina leading 2-0, having outshot France 7-1 and demonstrated superior tactical cohesion under Lionel Scaloni, while Didier Deschamps's side struggled with midfield control and defensive lapses.[2] Three minutes of stoppage time yielded no further incidents, preserving Argentina's commanding position at the interval.[105]Second Half Dynamics
France entered the second half trailing 2–0 and adopted a more urgent pressing strategy, with Didier Deschamps opting for attacking substitutions to inject pace and width, including Ousmane Dembélé replacing Adrien Rabiot around the 55th minute and later Randal Kolo Muani for Marcus Thuram.[106][87] Despite these changes, France registered few meaningful threats early in the half, having failed to produce a shot on target in the first 45 minutes, as Argentina's compact 4-3-3 formation under Lionel Scaloni prioritized defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities.[88] Argentina maintained possession advantages and limited France's penetration, with Emiliano Martínez facing minimal pressure until the final stages.[2] The dynamics shifted decisively in the 80th minute when Kylian Mbappé won and converted a penalty after being fouled by Nicolás Otamendi in the penalty area, narrowing the score to 2–1 and exposing Argentina's fatigue in concentration.[101] Just 97 seconds later, Mbappé equalized with a stunning volley from an Antoine Griezmann cross following a quick throw-in and interplay, marking the fastest two-goal comeback in World Cup final history and injecting chaos into the match.[107] This brace, France's first shots on target of the game, capitalized on Argentina's lapses in marking during a phase of sustained French pressure, though Scaloni's response substitutions, such as Papu Gómez for Ángel Di María, aimed to restore midfield control but could not prevent the momentum swing.[108][88] The final minutes saw France dominate possession at around 60% in the half, pushing for a winner with crosses and set pieces, while Argentina resorted to clearances and time-wasting to force extra time at 2–2.[2] This late resurgence highlighted Mbappé's individual brilliance against a tiring Argentine defense, though it underscored France's earlier tactical conservatism that delayed their response to Argentina's first-half dominance.[87]Extra Time Escalation
The first half of extra time produced no goals, with both teams displaying signs of exhaustion after 90 minutes of intense play, yet maintaining defensive solidity to avoid conceding. Argentina held 62% possession during this period, but failed to create clear scoring opportunities, while France focused on counter-attacks led by Kylian Mbappé.[108][101] In the second half of extra time, the match escalated dramatically. At the 108th minute, Argentina was awarded a penalty after Ousmane Dembélé fouled Ángel Di María in the penalty area; Lionel Messi converted it confidently, placing the ball into the bottom right corner to give Argentina a 3–2 lead and his second goal of the match. This goal reinvigorated Argentina's hopes of victory without penalties, prompting France coach Didier Deschamps to introduce fresh legs with substitutions including Kingsley Coman and Randal Kolo Muani.[101][108] France mounted a furious response, dominating possession and pressuring Argentina's defense. In the 118th minute, Gonzalo Montiel fouled Coman inside the penalty area, earning a spot kick; Mbappé stepped up and scored his third goal of the final—and hat-trick overall—by sending Emiliano Martínez the wrong way, leveling the score at 3–3 and forcing the game to penalties. This rapid equalizer, coming just 10 minutes after Argentina's lead, showcased Mbappé's clinical finishing under pressure and France's resilience.[101][108] Added time in extra time saw further tension when Kolo Muani broke through on a counter-attack and rounded Martínez, but the Argentine goalkeeper made a desperate recovery save to deny a potential winning goal for France, ensuring the match proceeded to a shoot-out. These late swings epitomized the final's unpredictability, with both teams trading momentum in the closing stages.[108][107]Penalty Shoot-Out Resolution
The penalty shoot-out began after a 3–3 draw through extra time, with Argentina electing to kick first following their win of the pre-shoot-out coin toss. Lionel Messi opened the proceedings by scoring past Hugo Lloris into the top left corner. Kylian Mbappé equalized for France. Paulo Dybala, a substitute introduced during extra time, restored Argentina's lead by placing his shot low to Lloris's right. Kingsley Coman's penalty was saved by Emiliano Martínez diving to his right. Leandro Paredes extended Argentina's advantage, firing powerfully into the net despite Lloris's touch.[2][109] Randal Kolo Muani scored for France. Gonzalo Montiel converted Argentina's fourth kick low into the bottom left corner. Aurélien Tchouaméni's subsequent attempt for France went wide to the left, clinching a 4–2 victory and the World Cup title on December 18, 2022.[2][110][111] Martínez's interventions were central to the outcome, including a save on Coman and benefiting from Tchouaméni shooting wide; he employed delay tactics such as bouncing the ball excessively and urging the crowd for deafening noise to amplify pressure on opponents. All four Argentine takers succeeded, while France converted two of four attempts.[111][110]| Taker | Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | Scored |
| Kylian Mbappé | France | Scored |
| Paulo Dybala | Argentina | Scored |
| Kingsley Coman | France | Saved |
| Leandro Paredes | Argentina | Scored |
| Randal Kolo Muani | France | Scored |
| Gonzalo Montiel | Argentina | Scored |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | France | Wide |