In 2018, Kylian Mbappé announced himself as football’s next global superstar as France defeated Croatia in a thrilling final to reclaim the World Cup after two decades.
Historical Background
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Russia and became one of the most entertaining and unpredictable World Cups in modern history.
Several traditional powers struggled throughout the tournament, while emerging stars and dynamic attacking football shaped the competition. France arrived with one of the youngest and most talented squads in the world, featuring players such as Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, and N’Golo Kanté.
Croatia, meanwhile, emerged as the surprise story of the tournament, reaching their first-ever World Cup final after a series of dramatic knockout victories.
The Road to Glory: Mbappé Leads France to World Cup Success in Moscow
France’s path to the title combined defensive organization with devastating counterattacks. As the tournament progressed, their pace and efficiency became increasingly difficult to stop.
In the knockout stage, France defeated Argentina in a thrilling 4–3 match where Mbappé delivered a sensational performance that introduced him to a global audience.
The final against Croatia in Moscow became one of the highest-scoring World Cup finals in decades. Croatia fought bravely and controlled long periods of possession, but France proved clinical in decisive moments.
Goals from Griezmann, Pogba, Mbappé, and an own goal secured a 4–2 victory for France.
At just 19 years old, Mbappé became the first teenager since Pelé to score in a World Cup final.
Interesting Facts from the 2018 World Cup
France won their second World Cup title after 20 years
Croatia reached their first-ever World Cup final
Kylian Mbappé became the first teenager since Pelé to score in a World Cup final
VAR technology was used at a World Cup for the first time
The final produced six goals, the most in a World Cup final since 1966
Top Scorer and Best Player
Harry Kane (England) – Top Scorer (6 goals)
Luka Modrić (Croatia) – Best Player of the Tournament
