Here’s a concise overview of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Core outcome

• France won the tournament, defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final held at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, on July 15, 2018. This marked France’s second World Cup title.

Tournament structure and highlights

• The competition featured 32 teams, 64 matches, and 12 venues across 11 Russian cities. Germany, the defending champions, were eliminated in the group stage, a first since 1938.

• Luka Modrić of Croatia won the Golden Ball (best player of the tournament). Harry Kane of England won the Golden Boot (top scorer with six goals). Thibaut Courtois of Belgium won the Golden Glove (best goalkeeper).

Notable matches and moments

• The tournament included notable upsets and memorable matches, including a dramatic group-stage opener between Portugal and Spain and France’s path through the knockout rounds to the final.

• The final saw a France team with a potent attack leadership from Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, and others, overcoming Croatia’s midfield control to seal the title.

Historical context

• Russia 2018 was the first World Cup held in Eastern Europe and the most expensive at the time, with substantial global viewership and attendance. France’s victory continued a recent European dominance trend in the tournament era.

Would you like a deeper dive into:

• France’s route to the title (knockout stage results and key matches)
• Croatia’s journey to the final
• Detailed group-stage standings and top scorers
• Individual award winners and records from the tournament?