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Setting the scene
Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup amid geopolitical tension over Crimea, sanctions, doping scandals, and human-rights concerns. FIFA was still recovering from corruption investigations that had damaged its credibility. On the field, the tournament arrived during a generational shift, with Germany defending its 2014 title, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo chasing elusive World Cup glory, and France relying on a young, fast squad.
What happened
The tournament ran from June 14 to July 15, 2018, across Russian cities from Kaliningrad to Yekaterinburg. It produced major surprises: Germany exited in the group stage, Russia reached the quarterfinals, and Croatia made its first final behind Luka Modric. France defeated Croatia 4-2 at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with goals from Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe, and an own goal.
Why it still matters
France's victory gave the country its second World Cup and confirmed Mbappe as a global star, while the tournament became one of Russia's biggest international showcases under Vladimir Putin. It also highlighted the tension between sport as celebration and sport as soft power. Memorable detail: Mbappe became the first teenager since Pele in 1958 to score in a World Cup final.
Background
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Russia and ended with France defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final in Moscow.