The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the 21st tournament, which took place in Russia from 14th June to 15th July 2018. This was the first time that Russia or any Eastern European nation has hosted the competition. 32 countries’ teams took part in the finals tournament, playing in 11 cities throughout Russia. This was the first World Cup held in Europe since 2006; all but one of the stadium venues were in European Russia, west of the Ural Mountains to keep travel time manageable. A total of 64 matches were played in 12 venues located in 11 cities. Groups of the Group Stage competition were drawn from 4 Pots determined by the FIFA World Rankings. Germany were the defending champions, but were eliminated in the Group Stage.
The final took place on 15th July between France and Croatia in Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium. France won the match 4-2 to claim their second World Cup title.