Overview
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, held on July 15, 2018, at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, culminated in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia. This decisive match saw France lift the FIFA World Cup trophy for the second time in their history, following their triumph on home soil in 1998. The six-goal thriller was notable for its attacking football and several key moments, including an early own goal, a controversial penalty awarded via VAR, and a stunning strike from Kylian Mbappé, who became the youngest player to score in a World Cup Final since Pelé in 1958 FIFA Match Report. The final showcased a blend of tactical discipline from France and the resilient, fighting spirit of Croatia, who had defied expectations throughout the tournament.
A Historic Win for France
France, managed by Didier Deschamps – who also captained the 1998 World Cup-winning side – delivered a performance that combined defensive solidity with incisive counter-attacking play. Goals from Mario Mandžukić (own goal), Antoine Griezmann (penalty), Paul Pogba, and Kylian Mbappé secured the victory. The triumph cemented Deschamps' place in history as only the third person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, after Mário Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer Deschamps Joins Elite Club.
Croatia's Valiant Campaign
Croatia, under coach Zlatko Dalić, had captivated audiences with their journey to the final, overcoming three consecutive extra-time matches and two penalty shootouts in the knockout stages. Despite the final defeat, their performance was celebrated as the best in the nation's history, surpassing their semi-final appearance in 1998. Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić scored for Croatia in the final, highlighting their attacking threats, but it was not enough to overcome the French side.
Goals and Drama
The match was full of drama from the outset. France took the lead through an own goal, but Croatia quickly equalized through Perišić. A VAR-awarded penalty, converted by Griezmann, restored France's lead before half-time. In the second half, strikes from Pogba and Mbappé extended France's advantage, rendering Mandžukić's late goal for Croatia a mere consolation. The final whistle marked the culmination of a tournament widely praised for its excitement, upsets, and the emergence of new talent.
Pre-match context
Tournament Path to the Final
France entered the final as strong contenders, having navigated a challenging path. They topped Group C with two wins and a draw against Australia, Peru, and Denmark. In the knockout stages, they defeated Argentina 4-3 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter, followed by a 2-0 quarter-final win over Uruguay and a tight 1-0 semi-final victory against Belgium 2018 World Cup Matches. Their journey was characterized by a solid defensive structure, anchored by players like Raphaël Varane and Samuel Umtiti, and the explosive attacking talent of Mbappé, Griezmann, and Olivier Giroud. Deschamps' tactical acumen, often prioritizing pragmatism, proved effective against diverse opponents.
Croatia's route to the final was marked by resilience and dramatic victories. They dominated Group D, winning all three matches against Nigeria, Argentina, and Iceland. Their knockout stage journey was particularly arduous, featuring three consecutive extra-time matches. They overcame Denmark and hosts Russia in penalty shootouts in the Round of 16 and quarter-finals, respectively. In the semi-final, they came from behind to defeat England 2-1 after extra time 2018 FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage. Key players like Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, and Ivan Perišić were instrumental, tirelessly driving their team forward despite the physical toll of prolonged matches.
Head-to-Head History and Narratives
Before the 2018 final, France and Croatia had met five times since Croatia gained independence, with France holding a superior record of three wins and two draws France vs. Croatia Head-to-Head. Their most famous encounter prior to 2018 was the 1998 World Cup semi-final, where France defeated Croatia 2-1, with Lilian Thuram scoring both goals for France after Davor Šuker had given Croatia the lead. This history added an extra layer of narrative to the 2018 final, with Croatia seeking a measure of retribution for that past heartbreak.
Entering the final, the key narratives revolved around France's blend of youth and experience, and Croatia's underdog story and incredible endurance. France had a squad brimming with talent from top European clubs, many of whom were in their prime or rapidly ascending. Croatia, while also possessing world-class players, was seen as a team that had overachieved through sheer determination and collective spirit. The physical condition of the Croatian players, following their three extra-time matches, was a significant talking point, with concerns about fatigue potentially impacting their performance against a fresh French side.
Match narrative
First half
The match began with Croatia demonstrating early intent, pressing high and dominating possession in the opening minutes. They created several promising situations, but France weathered the initial storm. The first major moment arrived in the 18th minute when Antoine Griezmann was fouled just outside the box. From the resulting free-kick, Griezmann delivered a curling ball into the penalty area, which was inadvertently headed into his own net by Croatia's Mario Mandžukić, giving France a 1-0 lead FIFA Match Report. This made Mandžukić the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup Final.
Croatia responded swiftly, and their persistence paid off in the 28th minute. A free-kick by Luka Modrić was headed on by Domagoj Vida, and the ball fell to Ivan Perišić on the edge of the box. Perišić took a touch, shifted the ball onto his left foot, and unleashed a powerful strike that deflected off Raphaël Varane and flew past Hugo Lloris into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal reinvigorated Croatia, who continued to push forward.
However, controversy struck in the 38th minute. A French corner kick appeared to strike Perišić's hand inside the box. After a consultation with VAR, referee Néstor Pitana awarded a penalty to France, a decision that was widely debated. Griezmann stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Danijel Subašić, restoring France's lead at 2-1. Despite Croatia's strong start and impressive response, France went into half-time with the advantage.
Second half
Croatia started the second half with renewed vigor, pushing for an equalizer. They continued to press France and dominate possession in segments, creating a couple of half-chances, including a close-range effort by Ante Rebić that was saved by Lloris. France, absorbing the pressure, looked to capitalize on counter-attacks, leveraging the pace of Mbappé.
The decisive period of the match came between the 59th and 65th minutes. In the 59th minute, France launched a counter-attack. Mbappé drove into the box, and after his shot was blocked, the ball fell to Paul Pogba on the edge of the area. Pogba's initial shot was blocked, but he calmly followed up with his left foot, curling a precise shot past Subašić to make it 3-1. This goal significantly strengthened France's position.
Just six minutes later, in the 65th minute, France extended their lead further. Mbappé received the ball outside the box, took a touch, and unleashed a low, powerful shot that found the bottom corner of the net BBC Sport Match Report. At 19 years and 207 days, Mbappé became only the second teenager, after Pelé in 1958, to score in a World Cup Final. This goal seemed to seal Croatia's fate, putting France in a commanding 4-1 lead.
A moment of generosity from France, however, led to Croatia's second goal. In the 69th minute, France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris attempted to dribble past the onrushing Mandžukić within his own penalty area, but Mandžukić successfully blocked the clearance, deflecting the ball into the net. This reduced the deficit to 4-2, offering a glimmer of hope to Croatia and making Mandžukić the only player to score both an own goal and a goal for his team in a World Cup Final. Despite a late push from Croatia, France maintained their composure, holding onto their two-goal lead until the final whistle, securing their second World Cup triumph.
Goals & key moments
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final was a high-scoring affair with six goals, making it the highest-scoring final since 1966. Here are the key moments and goals:
| Minute | Scorer | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18' | Mario Mandžukić (OG) | Own Goal | Antoine Griezmann's free-kick from the right flank was headed into his own net by Mandžukić. |
| 28' | Ivan Perišić | Goal | Perišić received the ball inside the box following a free-kick, took a touch, and fired a powerful left-footed shot past Lloris. |
| 38' | Antoine Griezmann | Penalty | Awarded after VAR review for a handball by Perišić. Griezmann converted calmly. |
| 59' | Paul Pogba | Goal | After an initial shot was blocked, Pogba followed up with a precise left-footed curl from the edge of the box. |
| 65' | Kylian Mbappé | Goal | Mbappé received the ball outside the box, drove forward, and struck a low shot that beat Subašić into the bottom corner. |
| 69' | Mario Mandžukić | Goal | Lloris attempted to dribble past Mandžukić in his own box, but the Croatian striker blocked the clearance and scored. |
Beyond the goals, the decision to award France a penalty in the first half via VAR was a significant turning point. It marked the first time VAR had been used to award a penalty in a World Cup Final, influencing the half-time scoreline and shifting the momentum in France's favor. Mbappé's goal at 19 years and 207 days made him the youngest player to score in a World Cup Final since Pelé in 1958 Mbappé Joins Pelé, highlighting his emergence as a global superstar.
Aftermath & legacy
The immediate aftermath of the 2018 World Cup Final saw scenes of jubilant celebration across France. Millions poured onto the streets of Paris, particularly the Champs-Élysées, to welcome their victorious team. The squad was honored with a parade, and the players were received by President Emmanuel Macron. For France, the victory marked their second World Cup title, solidifying their status as a dominant force in international football. For players like N'Golo Kanté, Antoine Griezmann, and Paul Pogba, it was a career-defining moment. Didier Deschamps became only the third individual to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, an achievement that cemented his legendary status in French football.
For Croatia, despite the defeat, their remarkable journey to the final was celebrated as a national triumph. The team received a heroes' welcome in Zagreb, with hundreds of thousands lining the streets to greet them. The achievement of reaching their first-ever World Cup Final, against all odds and with an aging squad, was a testament to their resilience and talent. Luka Modrić, their captain and talisman, was awarded the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player Golden Ball Award, a recognition of his outstanding individual performances throughout Croatia's campaign. This World Cup run significantly elevated Croatia's standing in world football and inspired a generation of young players.
The match itself is remembered for its high goal tally and the role of VAR. The penalty decision for France generated considerable discussion about the implementation and impact of the new technology in high-stakes matches. Kylian Mbappé's performance, particularly his goal, cemented his reputation as one of the sport's brightest young talents, drawing comparisons to legendary figures. His acceleration and clinical finishing were key features of France's tournament. The 2018 final is seen as a showcase of the evolving modern game—technical skill, tactical discipline, and the increasing influence of VAR.
Why this match matters
The 2018 World Cup Final between France and Croatia is significant for several reasons, both culturally and within the footballing world. It capped off a tournament that defied expectations, delivering drama and memorable moments. For France, it represented the culmination of a long-term development strategy, showcasing a squad rich in skill, athleticism, and tactical discipline. The victory brought immense national pride and solidified a new generation of French footballing heroes. For Croatia, their unprecedented run to the final, marked by incredible resilience and a never-say-die attitude, inspired their nation and captivated audiences globally, proving that smaller nations can challenge the traditional powerhouses.
The final also holds importance for its high goal count and the controversial but ultimately decisive use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), marking a significant moment in the integration of technology into football's biggest stage. Kylian Mbappé's goal, in particular, was a symbolic passing of the torch, highlighting the emergence of a new superstar on the global stage. It was a final that delivered entertainment, tactical intrigue, and enduring memories for both nations involved. As Didier Deschamps famously stated:
"It's a young team, but they are strong mentally. They deserve it. They've been through a lot over 55 days. It is the supreme consecration."