France 2022
France were seeking to become the first nation to successfully defend the title since Brazil in 1962. In the Lusail final, Kylian Mbappé produced a superhuman performance a hat-trick in a World Cup final, something only Geoff Hurst had achieved, back in 1966. With Argentina leading 2-0 and the title slipping away, Mbappé scored twice in 97 seconds to force extra time. When Messi made it 3-2, Mbappé equalised again from the penalty spot. The shootout was cruel: France missed through Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni, losing 2-4 on penalties. Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 8 goals and was the only player to score a hat-trick in a final since 1966, but the consolation prize consoled nobody. France fell in the most spectacular final in history without a single thing to reproach themselves for.