FIFA World Cup Russia France wins its first title in 20 years to close the tournament
The FIFA World Cup Russia tournament concluded on July 16 (Japan time) with the final match, bringing to a close the month-long, fiercely contested battles held across 12 venues in 11 host cities.
(Photo: Fort Kishimoto)
The final match between France and Croatia took place at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, with France securing the championship 4-2, fueled by the performance of rising star Kylian Mbappé.
This marked France's second World Cup victory, their first since hosting the tournament in 1998, tying them with Uruguay and Argentina for fourth place in all-time World Cup wins. Croatia, while finishing as runners-up, achieved their best-ever World Cup result.
The third-place match between Belgium and England took place on the 14th in Saint Petersburg, with Belgium, who had defeated Japan in the group stage, winning 2-0. This third-place finish also marked Belgium's best-ever World Cup result.
Prior to the final, the stadium hosted the tournament's closing ceremony.
Performers danced to the tournament's official song, while American actor Will Smith and former Brazilian national team player Ronaldinho also appeared, energizing the venue.
Just before kickoff, Philipp Lahm, captain of the German team that won the previous tournament in Brazil, presented the championship trophy, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
In the post-match ceremony, Croatia's midfielder Luka Modrić was honored as the tournament's Most Valuable Player. England's Harry Kane (6 goals) was named Top Scorer, France's Kylian Mbappé received the Best Young Player award, Belgium's Thibaut Courtois was selected as Best Goalkeeper, and Spain's team was awarded the Fair Play Award.
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