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2018 FIFA World Cup

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the 21st edition of FIFA’s men’s international football tournament.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the 21st edition of FIFA’s men’s international football tournament. It was held in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, and France won the final 4–2 against Croatia. The tournament was the first World Cup hosted in Eastern Europe and the first to use VAR at the finals stage.

Host country and format

Russia hosted the competition across 12 venues in 11 cities. The final tournament included 32 teams, following qualification matches played by national teams from FIFA’s confederations.

Tournament outcome

France won the title after defeating Croatia 4–2 in the final on 15 July 2018. It was France’s second World Cup title.

Notable features

The 2018 edition was the first World Cup held in Eastern Europe and the first to use VAR in the finals. It also saw Russia advance to the quarter-finals, their best result as host nation.

Competition structure

The teams were divided into eight groups for the opening stage before advancing to knockout rounds. The tournament consisted of 64 matches in total.

Key facts

  • Russia hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup for the first time, after being awarded hosting rights in late 2010.
  • France defeated Croatia 4–2 in the final to win their second World Cup title.
  • The tournament was the first World Cup held in Eastern Europe.
  • VAR was used at a FIFA World Cup finals for the first time.
  • Host nation Russia reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated.
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Canadian context

Canada did not qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, so the tournament is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a major global football event and a benchmark for future Canadian participation.

Frequently asked questions

Who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup by defeating Croatia 4–2 in the final.
Where was the 2018 FIFA World Cup held?
It was held in Russia, across 12 venues in 11 cities.
When did the tournament take place?
The tournament ran from 14 June to 15 July 2018.
How many teams played in the tournament?
Thirty-two teams competed in the final tournament.
Was VAR used at the 2018 World Cup?
Yes. The 2018 World Cup was the first FIFA World Cup finals to use VAR.
Which team was the host nation?
Russia was the host nation and qualified automatically for the tournament.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup
    Supports: Tournament dates, host country, edition number, champion, runner-up, final score, and first World Cup in Eastern Europe.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_FIFA_World_Cup_final
    Supports: Final match details, venue, date, and France’s 4–2 victory over Croatia.
  3. BBC Newsround — https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/41152937
    Supports: Dates, host country, 32 teams, 12 stadiums in 11 cities, and group-stage structure.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/sports/World-Cup-football
    Supports: VAR being used for the first time at the World Cup finals and France winning the 2018 final.