France reclaimed their glory in a high-scoring Moscow showdown

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On 15 July 2018, the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow hosted a historic clash between France and Croatia. It was the first time since 2002 that a World Cup final was decided in regulation time, and the first time the tournament used video assistant refereeing technology.

The final was a high-scoring affair, marking the most prolific championship match since 1966. France secured their second World Cup title—their first since hosting the tournament in 1998—with a 4–2 victory over Croatia. Key highlights defined the game: Mario Mandžukić netted the inaugural own goal in a final, while Kylian Mbappé joined Pelé (1958) as the sole other adolescent to find the net during a World Cup final. Ivan Perišić equalised ten minutes after the opening goal with a low shot into the corner. This victory marked France's second championship win, following their previous triumph in 1998. Croatia's Luka Modrić was named the tournament's outstanding player, earning the Golden Ball.

Technological intervention played a pivotal role in the match's outcome. In the first half, referee Néstor Pitana consulted with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to award France a penalty after ruling that Ivan Perišić had deliberately handled the ball. The decision sparked debate, with pundits like Alan Shearer calling it 'ridiculous,' while others, such as Chris Waddle, defended the call. The match was officiated by Argentina's Néstor Pitana. This specific tournament marked the first time the competition utilised video assistant refereeing technology.

The venue, Luzhniki Stadium, underwent a €341 million renovation starting in August 2013 to prepare for the event. As the largest stadium at the 2018 tournament, it hosted 78,011 supporters. The stadium, which had previously served as the home ground for clubs like CSKA Moscow and Spartak Moscow, was converted from artificial turf to natural grass and saw its spectator stands moved closer to the pitch during the renovation process. The stadium is located within the Khamovniki District of the Central Administrative Okrug. Prior to 1992, the venue was called the Grand Arena of the Central Lenin Stadium.

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