World Cup 2026 / History

2018 FIFA World Cup

Hosted by Russia. Mbappé became the second teenager (after Pelé) to score in a World Cup Final.

Champion
France
Runner-up
Croatia
Top scorer
Harry Kane (6)
Total goals
169

The 2018 FIFA World Cup at a glance

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Russia and contested by 32 teams over 64 matches, producing 169 goals (2.64 per match). Mbappé became the second teenager (after Pelé) to score in a World Cup Final. The final, France 4-2 Croatia, was played at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

Harry Kane of England won the Golden Boot with 6 goals. Scoring rate of 2.64 goals per match was 0.03 lower than the previous edition's 2.67. Final standings: 1st France, 2nd Croatia, 3rd Belgium, 4th England.

Final

Score
France 4-2 Croatia
Venue
Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Tournament

Host
Russia
Teams · Matches
32 teams · 64 matches
3rd / 4th place
Belgium / England

2018 FIFA World Cup records

ChampionFrance
Runner-upCroatia
Third placeBelgium
Fourth placeEngland
Final scoreFrance 4-2 Croatia
Final venueLuzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Host countryRussia
Teams32
Matches64
Goals169
Goals per match2.64
Top scorerHarry Kane (6 goals)
Top scorer nationalityEngland

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, beating Croatia 4-2 Croatia in the final at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

Where was the 2018 World Cup held?

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was hosted by Russia. The final was played at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

Who was the top scorer at the 2018 World Cup?

Harry Kane of England was the top scorer at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with 6 goals.

How many teams and matches were at the 2018 World Cup?

32 teams played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, totalling 64 matches and 169 goals — an average of 2.64 goals per match across roughly 32 days.

Who finished 3rd and 4th at the 2018 World Cup?

Belgium finished third and England finished fourth at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

How did the 2018 World Cup differ from the previous edition?

The previous FIFA World Cup, in 2014, was won by Germany (171 goals across 64 matches; 2.67 goals per match). The 2018 edition produced 169 goals across 64 matches (2.64 per match) and was won by France.

What is the significance of the 2018 World Cup?

Mbappé became the second teenager (after Pelé) to score in a World Cup Final.

Can I get 2018 World Cup historical data via API?

Yes. TheStatsAPI provides historical FIFA World Cup data going back to 1930, including match results, lineups, top scorers, final standings, and team appearance records. Query historical endpoints with year=2018 to retrieve the full dataset.

Get historical World Cup data via API

Match results, top scorers, finals, and team records from 1930 to today. 7-day free trial.