You’ve probably seen the highlights of Lionel Messi being draped in a black bisht while hoisting a gold trophy, or maybe you remember the absolute sea of fans in Sydney watching Spain make history. But honestly, the answer to when was the last world cup depends entirely on which version of the "beautiful game" you’re looking for.
If you’re talking about the men, we’re looking back at the winter of 2022. If it’s the women, it was the summer of 2023. Both were massive, but for completely different reasons.
The Men’s Finale in Qatar (December 2022)
The most recent Men’s FIFA World Cup wrapped up on December 18, 2022. It was weird, right? Usually, we’re used to grilling burgers in July while watching the group stages. But because Qatar is basically a furnace in the summer, FIFA moved the whole thing to November and December.
Argentina won. Finally.
It was the game of a lifetime. Argentina vs. France. Messi vs. Mbappé. Argentina looked like they had it in the bag, then Kylian Mbappé decided to score two goals in about 90 seconds. He actually ended up with a hat-trick in the final—becoming only the second man ever to do that after Geoff Hurst in 1966—and he still lost.
The match ended 3-3 after extra time and went to penalties. Argentina’s keeper, Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, became a national hero (and a bit of a chaotic legend) during that shootout. Argentina took the trophy home, their third title overall and their first since 1986.
Spain’s Breakthrough in Australia & New Zealand (August 2023)
Wait, don’t forget the women. The last Women's World Cup happened much more recently, concluding on August 20, 2023. This one was special because it was the first time two countries co-hosted (Australia and New Zealand) and the first time they expanded to 32 teams.
Spain won their first-ever title by beating England 1-0 in the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Olga Carmona scored the winner, though the victory was later clouded by a lot of off-field controversy involving the Spanish federation's leadership.
Despite the drama, the tournament was a massive win for the sport. It broke attendance records, with almost 2 million fans showing up to matches. The "Matildas" (Australia's team) basically turned the entire country yellow and green for a month.
When Was the Last World Cup Held and What Changed?
When we look at when was the last world cup, we see a sport in transition. Qatar 2022 was the last time we saw a 32-team format for the men. Moving forward, things are getting way bigger—and maybe a little more complicated.
A Quick Look at the Winners
- Men (2022): Argentina (Defeated France on penalties)
- Women (2023): Spain (Defeated England 1-0)
The Move to 2026: Why Everything is Changing
If you feel like you’ve been waiting forever for the next one, you’re not alone. The 2026 Men’s World Cup is going to be a monster. It’s being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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First off, it’s expanding to 48 teams. That means 104 matches. For context, the last one only had 64. It’s going to be a marathon, lasting from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The final is already set for MetLife Stadium (New Jersey/New York), which is going to be absolute chaos for traffic, but incredible for the atmosphere.
Mexico is making history here, too. They’ll be the first country to host or co-host the tournament three times (1970, 1986, and now 2026).
What’s Next for the Women?
For the fans who can't get enough of the women's game, the next stop is Brazil in 2027. This was a huge deal because South America has never hosted the Women’s World Cup before. Brazil won the bid over a joint European effort from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Since we are currently in the gap between these massive tournaments, here is how you can stay ready:
- Check the Qualifiers: Men’s qualifying for 2026 is already in full swing across most continents. If you want to see if your team makes the 48-team cut, now is the time to follow the standings.
- Mark July 19, 2026: That’s the date of the next Men's World Cup final. If you’re planning to be in New York or New Jersey, start looking at logistics now.
- Follow the 2027 Road to Brazil: Women's international friendlies and continental tournaments (like the Euros or Copa América Femenina) are the best way to see who will be favorites for the next trophy.