World Cup

Now that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over, the focus turns to 2026 and the World Cup's return to North America. What are the logistical challenges that ...

What is the legacy of this World Cup and how are we changing the game? Still, Cone believes if this next World Cup comes and goes and nothing changes, it will be a costly missed opportunity, regardless of the financial constraints. The new model will likely narrow the list of countries able to bid on future World Cups to wealthy nations such as the United States or authoritarian ones such as Russia, China and Saudi Arabia, Rothenberg said. The host cities are going to have the responsibility to operate the event and provide all the public services, and [FIFA is] providing very limited revenue opportunities for the host cities. As a result, the 1994 tournament, still the best-attended World Cup ever, produced a surplus of about $50 million, more than double original projections. And then also participate in the ticket revenue,” Rothenberg said. FIFA has wrested control of much of the marketing and organization of the event away from its local partners, meaning FIFA will reap most of the profits while leaving the costs to local organizers. Qatar had to build seven of the eight stadiums and its Metro system from scratch and spent billions more to upgrade its international airport. As a result, no World Cup will ever again produce the kind of domestic surplus the 1994 U.S. So I took that approach with Qatar, taking a look around and seeing how they’re doing it, comparing it to how I think things may work in the U.S.,” said Cone, who spent 2½ weeks in Qatar during the World Cup. But it’s the differences more than the similarities that stand out when comparing the 2022 World Cup with the 2026 tournament. It was great theater, a bare-knuckle brawl that played out over 120 minutes and four rounds of penalty kicks before Argentina was declared the victor after a game that ended in a 3-3 draw.

Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory over France in the World Cup finals on Sunday, Dec. 18. See photos from the close match and fans' reactions to the ...

Caivano/AP toggle caption [In the meantime, soccer fans can tune into matches across Europe](https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1143678106/world-cup-2022-what-soccer-to-watch-next), where favorite players, like Messi, compete throughout the year. 18, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar.David Ramos/FIFA via Getty Images Right: Croatia's fans celebrate in Zagreb, Croatia, after the team defeated Morocco 2-1 to secure a third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup. Croatia's Luka Modrić celebrates with his teammates after the team' secured a third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup play-off match with Morocco on Saturday, on Dec. After intense exchanges in the first half, Mislav Oršić scored and cemented Croatia's lead just before the half. In Buenos Aires, hundreds of thousands flocked to the streets to celebrate. Argentina's Lionel Messi scores his team's third goal during the 2022 World Cup final with France on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar. France's Kylian Mbappé celebrates scoring his side's third goal during a penalty shootout to settle the 2022 World Cup final with Argentina on Sunday, Dec. Argentina's Lionel Messi holds up the winner's trophy after the team won the 2022 World Cup final against France on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail City, Qatar.

France's leading broadcaster TF1 averaged a record 24.1 million viewers when Argentina defeated France on Sunday.

The channels averaged at a respective 9.1 million and 2.7 million viewers. [viewers](https://frontofficesports.com/qatar-world-cup-2022-ends-with-record-spending-viewership/) — making it the most-watched World Cup semifinal on English-language TV. The game was the third-most-watched Qatar World Cup match in the U.K. [viewers](https://www.cnbctv18.com/sports/record-32-million-viewers-tune-in-to-jiocinema-for-fifa-world-cup-final-in-qatar-15448081.htm) tuned in on JioCinema. - The last record in France was the country’s 2006 World Cup semifinal against Portugal, which averaged 22.2 million viewers. BeIN Sports also broadcast the game in the country but hasn’t released figures.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final was simultaneously billed as a heavyweight bout between Argentina and France (two of the world's most iconic and successful ...

When Giroud is stationed in the middle, France is less tactically flexible due to the big target man’s limitations — both physically and technically. In the cruelest But also the most hilarious. So when Messi scored in the 108th minute, it felt as if the Soccer Gods had finally had their say. The same Messi who, at 35 years old, is still capable of terrorizing the best defenders in world soccer. The same Messi whose legacy — for better or worse — probably hinged on winning this particular soccer match. France was the first team He scored a penalty in the 80th minute to put France back within touching distance before scoring Assisted brilliantly by Thuram, by the way. Single-game xG isn’t perfect due to small sample sizes, but it still has the ability to paint a rough picture of a game. Kolo Muani and Thuram gave France more flexibility up top, allowing Mbappé to drift into more central areas on the pitch. Giroud is an excellent center forward, but he’s not exactly the quickest player on the pitch, and he’s not the kind of dribbler who’s going to draw extra defenders and open up space for his teammates. And the match certainly lived up to its billing — even if it took more than an hour to find its footing as an all-time classic. It looked like the titanic showdown would be a massive letdown.

Thousand of fans gathered in Paris Place de la Concorde to welcome home the France team a day after a historic defeat at the World Cup final.

They lit flares, waved flags and sang "La Marseillaise'' as the players and coach Didier Deschamps emerged on the balcony of the Hotel de Crillon. [France](/soccer/team?id=478) team that lost one of the greatest World Cup finals. [Kylian Mbappe](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231388/Kylian-Mbappé) and teammates landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport from Doha just after 8 p.m.

We looked back at every World Cup final in the tournament's history and picked the five greatest. Where does Sunday's thriller rank?

In extra time, Mbappé would connect on another penalty to tie the match and make him just the second player in World Cup final history with a hat trick (this followed a Messi goal that looked like a fairytale finish). Argentina was in control 2-0 before Mbappé laced a penalty kick into the back of the net to halve the deficit for France. Those two goals were scored by Geoff Hurst, who became the first player with a hat trick in the World Cup final. What happened in the match, though, is considered by many to be one of the greatest upsets in soccer history. It was the second title for Uruguay. [ FIFA World Cup 2022](/stories/soccer/incredible-final-shows-why-were-captivated-by-world-cup) The final was played in its home country at the historic Wembley Stadium, and it started at a frenzied pace with both sides connecting on a goal within the first 20 minutes. We looked back at every World Cup final and picked the five greatest. The Three Lions were able to drive home two more scores to take the crown. A truly epic comeback for the ages. There were multiple game-tying goals, a hat trick, late drama and of course, plenty of history on the line: one team was trying to repeat as champion, while the other was hoping to win one for its beloved superstar. To wit:

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi, wearing a black Qatari robe over his blue-and-white Argentina shirt, kissed the World Cup, shuffled toward his teammates ...

Messi still had plenty of energy and he was on hand to tap in his second goal in the 108th minute, with a France defender clearing the ball just after it had crossed the line. He said after the match that he would continue to play with the national team. Finishing the tournament as the top scorer with eight goals is likely only a crumb of comfort. I wish he’d have been here to enjoy the moment.” He even kissed the World Cup and rubbed it repeatedly. Kingsley Coman had an attempt saved by Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Aurelien Tchouameni then missed for France, giving Gonzalo Montiel the opportunity to end it. Messi achieved what Maradona did in 1986 and dominated a World Cup for Argentina. The country’s other title came in 1978 on home soil. Amid the chaos inside Lusail Stadium, Mbappé did all he could to emulate Brazil great Pelé as a champion at his first two World Cups. He got his hands on it for good about 10 minutes later, after a ceremonial robe — a bisht — was draped over his shoulders by Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. [Who is the greatest?](/article/world-cup-sports-brazil-argentina-lionel-messi-0bf74af4ef88ea1e6b3eadce375ebb4a) It’s a discussion that will rage forever because there can never be a definitive answer. “It’s just crazy that it became a reality this way,” Messi said.

Yes, the 2022 World Cup has come to an end. After a thrilling final that saw Lionel Messi and Argentina topple defending champion France on Sunday, ...

Lucky for you, there's a women's World Cup only eight months away, and the U.S. I just like the World Cup There are currently a dozen NWSL teams, and the league is expected to add two more teams for the 2024 season. Tune in to the San Diego Wave or Seattle's OL Reign to catch U.S. The researchers tracked stoppage time across dozens of men's and women's World Cup and league matches. has a fabulous women's soccer league called the NWSL. PSG is where you'll find the sensational French forward Kylian Mbappé, who scored more goals in the run of play (in other words, goals that weren't penalty kicks) than any other player in this year's World Cup. For next year, we suggest tuning in to the annual Copa Libertadores, which pits the best club teams against each other throughout the year, culminating in a single-elimination tournament that will stretch from July to November. Messi, the otherworldly soccer GOAT, plays for the French club Paris Saint-Germain — although his contract is up next summer, and the soccer world is rife with rumors about what might happen next, including speculation that he could, maybe, possibly, come to the U.S. Nashville SC had the most playing time among this World Cup roster, with defender Walker Zimmerman and substitute Shaq Moore. Yes, the 2022 World Cup has come to an end. For a European club team, we'd suggest Leeds United, an English Premier League squad featuring two top players from the U.S.

Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts as he holds the adidas Golden Boot award after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail ...

But the [diminutive](https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/08/17/lionel-messi-height-how-tall-barcelona-argentina) superstar, who stands at 5-foot-7, is consistently adamant that a strong work ethic has been his key to continued success. Studies show that students who are taught the "growth mindset" by educators are able to [improve their test scores](https://www.edweek.org/leadership/growth-mindset-linked-to-higher-test-scores-student-well-being-in-global-study/2021/04) more than their peers, over time. "It is something that I would never have dared to imagine or dream of." In other words, being the best is very lucrative. And despite long being recognized as a global superstar, it took him roughly 16 years over five World Cup tournaments to finally land his elusive prize. He's the world's highest paid athlete of 2022, making "At first, it was to be a professional player. The only major item missing was a World Cup trophy until Sunday, when Messi's Argentina defeated France in a 4-2 penalty shootout after an extra-time thriller. [long days of training](https://theprofile.substack.com/p/lionel-messi), "day after day, year after year," to keep [improving](https://sportsbrief.com/football/paris-saint-germain/19320-lionel-messi-paris-saint-germain-stars-work-schedules-diet-training-drills/) on the soccer pitch, he's noted in past interviews. "I fought for my dreams," Messi said. [roughly $130 million](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2022/05/11/the-worlds-10-highest-paid-athletes-2022/?sh=266ebdd51f6c) this year, according to Forbes. [Mark Cuban](https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/mark-cuban-says-1-thing-separates-successful-people-from-everyone-else-and-will-make-all-difference-in-your-life.html) to actor [Will Smith](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/09/will-smith-says-hard-work-is-the-key-to-his-success-not-talent.html).

(UPDATE) DOHA: Lionel Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory on Sunday, scoring twice against France in one of the all-time great finals with the South ...

"I want to keep experiencing a few more matches as world champion," he added. on the stadium microphone. What more could there be after this?" It was Argentina's first win since Maradona's victory in Mexico City in 1986. Messi seemed to have decided the match in extra time with his second goal of the game before his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappe completed only the second World Cup final hat-trick to bring the score to 3-3 and force penalties. He had tasted bitter defeat in the 2014 final against Germany but in his fifth and final World Cup, the 35-year-old finally emulated Argentina idol Diego Maradona by leading his nation to World Cup glory.

Lionel Messi holding the World Cup trophy on top of the shoulders of teammates. “We suffered greatly, but we made it,” Lionel Messi, who scored two goals ...

And when magic happens, as it did on Sunday—now, finally, bearing the name of Lionel Messi—more than a million Argentines take to the streets in collective ecstasy, dancing and singing with friends and strangers late into the summer night, in one golden moment of bonding and hope. They had to guess the correct value and suit of at least one of them. If they all succeeded, it meant that they were going to win the tournament. Some people wear the same clothes during every match; others watch each game in the same exact spot, or are not allowed to watch at all, like the father of an old colleague of mine, who is sent by his family to walk in the park for the duration of the match. The game was to be decided in a penalty shootout. This was to be the triumphant conclusion to the magical saga of his career. [witches](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/17/world/americas/argentina-world-cup-witches.html) burn laurel leaves, and [Catholic nuns](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6gqkjkNRjE) go viral, jumping and singing “Muchachos,” the unofficial anthem of this Cup, draped in Argentinean flags and jerseys. Otherwise, how to make sense of the agony with which Argentina went through this Cup? But, in the hundred-and-eighth minute, Messi lashed in a rebound from the French goalie. Argentines were once destined to greatness, the narrative goes, but we fell prey to recurrent, cyclical crises from which only magic can save us. By then, we were standing, pacing, shouting, praying, cursing, hoping that telepathic intervention would make the Argentinean penalty takers succeed and the French miss. A doubt caught Argentineans on and off the field: what if the story ended badly?

Argentina were crowned champions of the world after a dramatic penalty shootout in Lusail Stadium brought an end to a World Cup acclaimed as one of the best ...

And Argentina weren’t the only side to rely on an older generation of footballers who may be playing in their last World Cup tournament. His two goals - one from the penalty spot and one in extra time - brought his total in World Cup football to 13, with seven in this tournament alone. But these were just some of the young stars who have proved that the future of football will remain bright when the likes of Ronaldo and Messi finally hang up their boots. But Kylian Mbappe, who became only the second player in history to score three goals in the title-deciding match of a World Cup, now holds that record after France succumbed on penalties to Argentina in Lusail. Bellingham at just 19 is being courted by the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain. Olympics.com brings you five things we learned from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

It seems only yesterday that Enner Valencia was swatting aside Qatar in the 2022 World Cup's curtain raiser.

Geoff Hurst scored the first World Cup final hat-trick in the 1966 final between England and West Geramy. It did, according to the game’s officials and England won 4-2. These are the moments that capture imaginations and the moments that came to define the 2022 World Cup final. The opening 79 minutes was all about Messi. Sometimes, it feels unfair to settle a game in a shootout, a series of actions between the penalty taker and the goalkeeper. Messi’s penalty in the first half gave him his first World Cup final goal, while his spot kick in the shootout was coolness personified. Argentina’s captain converted the penalty to give Argentina the lead. The last time a World Cup final went to penalties was in 2006 when France was once again beaten, this time by Italy. Both Mbappé and Messi scored in the shootout but in the end – with France missing two penalties – it was the Argentina captain who was mobbed by his teammates as his World Cup dream was lived out in real time. Refusing to accept defeat, Mbappé roused his teammates, scoring a second penalty to grab his hat-trick and take the final to a penalty shootout. Then in the closing stages of normal time, Mbappé single-handedly took a grip of the game, scoring two goals in two minutes and sending the final to extra time. [Messi](https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/15/football/gallery/lionel-messi/index.html) was playing in his final World Cup match, looking to claim the trophy which has eluded him for so long and which would enable him to match Diego Maradona’s achievement of winning the 1986 competition.

Rosario, where star player Lionel Messi grew up, revels in the national team's World Cup title.

“Argentina deserved this happiness, beyond everything bad that is happening in the country,” Rodrigo Medina, 21, said. We have the best players here in Rosario.” “It’s an incredible feeling for Argentina to win, for all of us to be pulling in the same direction,” Junco said.

Argentina's national team will celebrate their World Cup triumph on Tuesday in Buenos Aires at the Obelisk, the monument that is the traditional epicentre ...

"I want to be in Argentina to see how crazy it is. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story "The world champion squad will leave on Tuesday at noon for the Obelisk to celebrate the world title with the fans," the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on its official Twitter account.

Argentina's Lionel Messi emerges from the plane holding the World Cup after landing in Buenos Aires on December 20, 2022. Agustin Marcarian/Reuters.

Social media videos showed jubilant fans climbing on top of street poles to wave the Argentine flag; others on the ground danced, sang and chanted in celebration. “I am proud of the work they did,” he added, fighting back tears as he was embraced by his players. As the team bus departed the airport, it was immediately swarmed by cheering supporters dressed in the national colors of blue and white. Tuesday had been declared a national holiday following the team’s thrilling penalty shootout victory over France in Qatar on Sunday. Some laid on blankets on the grass while others lounged on picnic chairs around coolers. Messi scored his second goal of the match to restore his team’s lead – but Mbappé scored a second penalty to grab his hat-trick and take the final to a penalty shootout, which ended with triumph for Argentina after France missed two shots.

Thousands line up in the middle of the night to get a glimpse of the team that won one of the greatest World Cup finals.

Thousands of fans have lined up in the middle of the night to try to get a glimpse of the Argentina football team that won one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time. The players were welcomed by rock band La Mosca singing Muchachos, a song that was written by a fan to the tune of an old song by the band and became a popular unofficial anthem for Argentina fans at the World Cup in Qatar. Thousands line up in the middle of the night to get a glimpse of the team that won one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.

The airplane transporting World Cup winners Argentina and their captain Lionel Messi back from Qatar arrived at the Ezeiza international airport in Buenos ...

[We had to suffer to win the World Cup say Argentina players](https://sports.inquirer.net/490679/we-had-to-suffer-to-win-the-world-cup-say-argentina-players) Messi, who scored twice in the final, was the first player to emerge from the plane, holding the World Cup aloft, with coach Lionel Scaloni right behind him. The airplane transporting World Cup winners Argentina and their captain Lionel Messi back from Qatar arrived at the Ezeiza international airport in Buenos Aires at 2:40 a.m.

Gonzalo Montiel of Argentina scores the team's fourth and winning goal in the penalty shoot out during the 2022 World Cup final match. Maja Hitij-FIFA/Getty ...

“Unfortunately, we take it to a level where it seems that nothing else is important in life,” says Cantor. “That generation was seen as a bunch of losers,” says Cantor. “It would have been an epic moment in sport history,” Cantor says. “In the 74th minute exactly, I asked the question on air, is this really happening?” Cantor says. It was a call and a game that Cantor—along with millions around the world—won’t soon forget. One minute and 33 seconds later, Mbappé volleyed a rocket to the back of the net to tie everything up. For Cantor, who has called every World Cup since 1990, Messi firmly belongs in the pantheon of Argentina’s most-beloved legends. “Soccer is part of our DNA,” Cantor tells TIME. In this moment, Cantor failed to cloak his childlike fandom in rote professionalism—and sports fans around the world loved him for it. “Messi campeon del mundo,” Cantor said, a nod to Argentina superstar “I tried to keep as much composure as I could. Cantor was born in Buenos Aires and moved to the United States as a teenager.