The 2018 FIFA World Cup, held in Russia from June 14 to July 15, was the 21st edition of the quadrennial international men's football championship. Here's a summary of the tournament:

Host nation: Russia
Winner: France
Runner-up: Croatia
Third place: Belgium
Golden Ball (best player): Luka Modrić (Croatia)
Golden Boot (top scorer): Harry Kane (England)
Golden Glove (best goalkeeper): Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

The tournament was filled with exciting matches, memorable moments, and individual brilliance. France emerged victorious, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling final. Let's delve deeper into the details of the 2018 World Cup.

Host Selection and Preparation

Russia won the bid to host the 2018 World Cup in December 2010, defeating England and other joint bids. The decision was met with controversy due to concerns about human rights and corruption. Russia invested heavily in infrastructure development, building and renovating stadiums across 11 cities.

Teams and Groups

A total of 32 national teams participated in the tournament, divided into eight groups. The group stage saw several upsets, with Germany, the defending champions, being eliminated early.

Knockout Stage

The knockout stage provided heart-stopping matches, with France, Belgium, Croatia, and England emerging as the semifinalists. France and Croatia progressed to the final, where France secured their second World Cup title.

Memorable Moments

The 2018 World Cup witnessed several unforgettable moments:

• Croatia's unexpected run to the final, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
• The VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system being used extensively for the first time in a World Cup.
• France's young and talented squad led by Kylian Mbappé, who announced himself on the world stage.

The 2018 World Cup was a resounding success, showcasing the beautiful game on a global platform. It left a lasting legacy on Russian football and provided unforgettable
memories for fans worldwide.