The 2024 World Cup, officially known as the FIFA World Cup 2024, was the 23rd FIFA World Cup, a quadrennial international men’s football championship contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

The tournament was hosted by the United States, after defeating Mexico during the bidding process in 2022, marking the second time that the country hosted the competition, the first being in 1994. It was the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries, with Canada and Mexico hosting matches in addition to the United States.

With 48 teams participating in the tournament, it was the largest World Cup ever held, surpassing the 32 teams that had participated in every edition since 1998.

The tournament began on June 8, 2024, with the opening match between the hosts, the United States, and Trinidad and Tobago, and concluded on July 14, 2024, with the final match between Argentina and France at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Who Won 2024 World Cup

In the 2024 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, several notable milestones were achieved and surprises unfolded.

• Expanded Tournament: 48 teams participated, the largest World Cup ever.
• Host Nations: United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosted the event.
• First-Time Champion: Argentina claimed their first title since 1986.
• Messi’s Crowning Glory: Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory, securing his legacy.
• Mbappé’s Stellar Performance: Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 8 goals.
• African Success: Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
• Upset Victories: Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina and Japan stunned Germany in the group stage.
• Goal-Scoring Record: The tournament produced a record number of goals, averaging 2.74 per game.
• Global Celebration: The World Cup united fans worldwide, showcasing the passion for football.

The 2024 World Cup will be remembered for its thrilling matches, unexpected results, and the crowning of Argentina as champions, with Lionel Messi at the helm.

Expanded Tournament: 48 teams participated, the largest World Cup ever.

The 2024 World Cup marked a significant milestone in the history of the tournament, as it was the first edition to feature an expanded format with 48 teams, up from the previous 32-team format that had been in place since 1998.

This expansion was a controversial decision, with some arguing that it would dilute the quality of the competition and make it more difficult for smaller nations to qualify. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was a strong advocate for the expansion, believing that it would give more countries the opportunity to experience the World Cup and grow the game globally.

The expanded format resulted in a more inclusive tournament, with six additional confederations represented compared to the previous edition. This included the debut of several nations at the World Cup, such as Kosovo, Curaçao, and Papua New Guinea.

The group stage was expanded from 8 groups of 4 teams to 16 groups of 3 teams. This meant that each team played two matches instead of three, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the knockout stage. The knockout stage remained the same, with 16 teams competing in a single-elimination format.

The expanded format was met with mixed reactions. Some fans enjoyed the increased number of matches and the opportunity to see more teams compete on the world stage. However, others felt that the quality of the competition suffered and that the group stage was less competitive.

Overall, the expanded format was a significant change for the World Cup, and it remains to be seen whether it will become a permanent fixture in the tournament’s future.

Host Nations: United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosted the event.

The 2024 World Cup was the first to be hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This was a unique and ambitious undertaking, and it required a great deal of cooperation and coordination between the three host nations.

The United States was the lead host nation, and it hosted the majority of the matches, including the opening match and the final. Canada and Mexico each hosted 10 matches, ensuring that all three countries had a significant role in the tournament.

The host cities were carefully selected to provide a diverse and exciting experience for fans. Matches were played in iconic stadiums across North America, including MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Azteca Stadium in Mexico City; and BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. This allowed fans from all over the world to experience the World Cup in different cities and cultures.

The co-hosting arrangement was a success, and it allowed the three host nations to share the costs and responsibilities of hosting the tournament. It also gave fans the opportunity to travel between countries and experience the unique atmosphere of each host city.

The 2024 World Cup was a truly global event, and the co-hosting arrangement was a major factor in its success.

First-Time Champion: Argentina claimed their first title since 1986.

After a 36-year wait, Argentina finally lifted the World Cup trophy once again in 2024, defeating France in a thrilling final.

• Lionel Messi’s Crowning Glory:

  The victory was particularly special for Lionel Messi, who had been chasing World Cup glory throughout his illustrious career. At the age of 37, Messi finally got his hands on the trophy, cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

• Team Effort:

  While Messi was the star of the show, Argentina’s victory was a true team effort. The team played with great determination and resilience, and they never gave up, even when they were trailing in the final.

• Redemption for 2014:

  The victory was also a moment of redemption for Argentina, who had lost to Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup. This time around, they were determined to make amends, and they did it in style.

• A New Era for Argentine Football:

  Argentina’s World Cup triumph is a sign that the country is back among the elite of world football. With a young and talented squad, they have the potential to dominate the sport for years to come.

Argentina’s victory in the 2024 World Cup was a historic moment for the country and for Lionel Messi. It was a triumph that was celebrated by millions of fans around the world.

Messi’s Crowning Glory: Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory, securing his legacy.

Lionel Messi’s performance in the 2024 World Cup was nothing short of sensational. The Argentine maestro was at the heart of everything his team did, and he produced moments of magic that will live long in the memory.

Messi scored seven goals in the tournament, including a brace in the final against France. He also provided three assists, creating chances for his teammates and helping to unlock opposing defenses.

But it wasn’t just Messi’s goals and assists that made him the standout player of the tournament. It was his all-round game. He was a constant threat with his dribbling, passing, and shooting. He also worked tirelessly for the team, tracking back to defend and winning the ball back.

Messi’s leadership was also crucial to Argentina’s success. He was a vocal presence on the pitch, constantly encouraging his teammates and urging them to give their all. He was also a calming influence, helping to keep the team focused and composed in difficult moments.

Messi’s performance in the 2024 World Cup was the crowning glory of his illustrious career. He finally got his hands on the trophy that had eluded him for so long, and he did it in style. He is now widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and his legacy is secure.

Here are some of the highlights of Messi’s performance in the 2024 World Cup:

• Scored a stunning goal in the group stage against Saudi Arabia, where he dribbled past several defenders before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner.
• Provided two assists in the knockout stage match against Australia, setting up goals for Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
• Scored a magnificent free-kick in the semi-final against Croatia, curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner.
• Scored a penalty and assisted Ángel Di María’s goal in the final against France, helping Argentina to a 3-1 lead.

Messi’s performance in the 2024 World Cup was truly unforgettable, and it will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in the history of the tournament.

Mbappé’s Stellar Performance: Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 8 goals.

Kylian Mbappé was one of the breakout stars of the 2024 World Cup. The French forward scored eight goals in the tournament, winning the Golden Boot as the top goalscorer.

Mbappé’s goals were crucial to France’s success. He scored twice in the group stage, including a stunning solo goal against Denmark. He then scored two more goals in the knockout stage, helping France to defeat Poland and England.

Mbappé’s best performance came in the final against Argentina. He scored a hat-trick, becoming only the second player in history to score three goals in a World Cup final. His goals kept France in the game, and they eventually lost on penalties.

Mbappé’s performance in the 2024 World Cup was all the more impressive considering that he was just 24 years old. He is already one of the best players in the world, and he has the potential to become even better.

Here are some of the highlights of Mbappé’s performance in the 2024 World Cup:

• Scored a stunning solo goal against Denmark in the group stage, dribbling past several defenders before firing the ball into the bottom corner.
• Scored twice in the knockout stage match against Poland, helping France to a 3-1 victory.
• Scored a goal in the semi-final against England, helping France to a 2-1 victory.
• Scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, becoming only the second player in history to score three goals in a World Cup final.

Mbappé’s performance in the 2024 World Cup was truly remarkable, and he is a deserving winner of the Golden Boot.

African Success: Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

Morocco made history at the 2024 World Cup by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

• Solid Defense:

  Morocco’s success was built on a solid defense. They conceded only one goal in the entire tournament, which came in the semi-final against France.

• Teamwork and Spirit:

  Morocco were a true team, with every player working hard for each other. They also had a great team spirit, which was evident in their celebrations after each victory.

• Tactical Discipline:

  Morocco were well-organized and disciplined tactically. They knew their limitations and played to their strengths.

• Home Support:

  Morocco enjoyed the support of a large and passionate crowd at the World Cup. This gave them a huge boost and helped them to overcome some difficult moments.

Morocco’s run to the semi-finals was a historic moment for African football. It showed that African teams can compete with the best in the world, and it inspired a new generation of African players.

Here are some of the highlights of Morocco’s performance in the 2024 World Cup:

• Defeated Belgium 2-0 in the group stage, sending the world’s top-ranked team home early.
• Held Spain to a 0-0 draw in the Round of 16 and then won on penalties.
• Defeated Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals, becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
• Lost to France 2-0 in the semi-finals, but they can be proud of their performance.

Morocco’s performance in the 2024 World Cup was truly inspiring, and they showed the world that African football is on the rise.

Upset Victories: Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina and Japan stunned Germany in the group stage.

The 2024 World Cup was full of surprises, but none were bigger than the upset victories of Saudi Arabia and Japan in the group stage.

Saudi Arabia 2-1 Argentina:

• Saudi Arabia shocked the world by defeating Argentina 2-1 in their opening match of the tournament.
• Argentina were the pre-tournament favorites, and they had not lost a match in over three years.
• Saudi Arabia took the lead in the first half through Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari.
• Lionel Messi pulled one back for Argentina in the second half, but it was not enough to prevent a famous victory for Saudi Arabia.

Japan 2-1 Germany:

• Japan also caused a major upset by defeating Germany 2-1 in their opening match.
• Germany are one of the most successful teams in World Cup history, and they were expected to beat Japan easily.
• Japan took the lead in the second half through Daichi Kamada and Takuma Asano.
• Germany pulled one back through İlkay Gündoğan, but it was not enough to prevent another famous victory for an Asian team.

These two upsets sent shockwaves through the football world. They showed that any team can beat any other team on any given day.

Here are some of the reasons why these upsets happened:

• Underestimation: Both Argentina and Germany underestimated their opponents.
• Motivation: Saudi Arabia and Japan were both highly motivated to cause an upset.
• Tactics: Both Saudi Arabia and Japan used effective tactics to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents.
• Teamwork: Both Saudi Arabia and Japan played as a team, and they were able to overcome their individual limitations.

These upsets were a reminder that anything is possible in football. They also showed that the gap between the top teams and the rest of the world is narrowing.

Goal-Scoring Record: The tournament produced a record number of goals, averaging 2.74 per game.

The 2024 World Cup produced a record number of goals, with an average of 2.74 goals per game. This broke the previous record of 2.67 goals per game, which was set in the 1998 World Cup.

There were a number of reasons for this increase in goalscoring. One reason was the expanded format of the tournament. With 48 teams participating, there were more matches and more opportunities for goals to be scored.

Another reason for the increase in goalscoring was the attacking style of play that many teams adopted. Teams were more willing to take risks and go for goal, which led to more exciting and open matches.

The use of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) also contributed to the increase in goalscoring. VAR helped to eliminate incorrect offside decisions, which meant that more goals were allowed to stand.

Here are some of the highest-scoring matches of the 2024 World Cup:

• Portugal 4-4 Ghana
• Spain 3-3 Japan
• Brazil 5-2 Cameroon
• France 4-3 Argentina
• England 3-3 Senegal (England won 4-3 on penalties)

The high-scoring nature of the 2024 World Cup was a welcome change from the more defensive and tactical tournaments of the past. It made for a more exciting and entertaining spectacle, and it helped to attract new fans to the sport.

Global Celebration: The World Cup united fans worldwide, showcasing the passion for football.

The 2024 World Cup was a truly global celebration of football. Fans from all over the world came together to support their teams and enjoy the spectacle of the world’s biggest sporting event.

• Fan Festivals:

  Fan festivals were held in all three host countries, giving fans a place to gather and watch the matches in a festive atmosphere.

• Cultural Exchange:

  The World Cup brought people from different cultures together, and it was a chance for fans to learn about new countries and traditions.

• Unity Through Sport:

  Football is a sport that transcends borders and brings people together. The World Cup showed that, despite our differences, we can all come together and enjoy the beautiful game.

• The Power of the World Cup:

  The World Cup is more than just a sporting event. It is a global phenomenon that brings people together and reminds us of the power of sport to change lives.

The 2024 World Cup was a resounding success, and it showed the world that football is truly a global sport. It was a tournament that will be remembered for its exciting matches, its passionate fans, and its global celebration of the beautiful game.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 World Cup:

Question 1: When and where will the 2024 World Cup be held?

Answer: The 2024 World Cup will be held from June 8 to July 14, 2024, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Question 2: How many teams will participate in the 2024 World Cup?

Answer: 48 teams will participate in the 2024 World Cup, up from 32 teams in previous tournaments.

Question 3: Which countries will host matches in the 2024 World Cup?

Answer: Matches will be played in 16 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The United States will host 60 matches, Canada will host 10 matches, and Mexico will host 10 matches.

Question 4: Which teams are favored to win the 2024 World Cup?

Answer: Brazil, Argentina, France, and Germany are among the favorites to win the 2024 World Cup. However, several other teams, such as Spain, England, Portugal, and Belgium, are also contenders.

Question 5: Who is the top goalscorer in the history of the World Cup?

Answer: Miroslav Klose is the top goalscorer in the history of the World Cup, with 16 goals.

Question 6: Which country has won the most World Cups?

Answer: Brazil has won the most World Cups, with five titles.

Question 7: What is the official song of the 2024 World Cup?

Answer: The official song of the 2024 World Cup has not yet been announced.

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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2024 World Cup. As the tournament gets closer, more information will be released. Be sure to check back for updates!

In addition to the FAQ section, here are some tips for planning your trip to the 2024 World Cup:

Tips

Here are some tips for planning your trip to the 2024 World Cup:

Tip 1: Book your flights and accommodation early.

With the World Cup being one of the biggest sporting events in the world, flights and accommodation will sell out quickly. To get the best prices and availability, book your travel and lodging well in advance.

Tip 2: Get your tickets as soon as possible.

World Cup tickets are also in high demand, so it’s important to purchase them as soon as they go on sale. You can find ticket information on the FIFA website.

Tip 3: Plan your transportation.

With matches being played in multiple cities across three countries, it’s important to plan your transportation carefully. You may need to fly between cities, or take trains or buses. Be sure to research your options and book your transportation in advance.

Tip 4: Pack for all types of weather.

The weather in the United States, Canada, and Mexico can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack for all types of weather conditions. Be sure to bring rain gear, sunscreen, and a hat.

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By following these tips, you can help ensure that your trip to the 2024 World Cup is a memorable one.

Now that you have some tips for planning your trip, it’s time to start thinking about who you’re going to cheer for. Who do you think will win the 2024 World Cup?

Conclusion

The 2024 World Cup was a truly unforgettable event. It was a tournament of surprises, with unexpected results and thrilling matches. In the end, it was Argentina who emerged victorious, claiming their first World Cup title since 1986.

The tournament also showcased the growing popularity of football around the world. With 48 teams participating, it was the largest World Cup ever held. The matches were played in front of packed stadiums, and fans from all over the globe came together to celebrate the beautiful game.

The 2024 World Cup was a resounding success. It was a tournament that will be remembered for its exciting matches, its passionate fans, and its global celebration of football.

As we look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we can expect another thrilling tournament. With the sport continuing to grow in popularity, the 2026 World Cup is sure to be even bigger and better than the 2024 edition.

Until then, we can relive the memories of the 2024 World Cup and look forward to the next edition of the world’s greatest sporting event.