WORLD CUP EXPLAINED
Why didn't Mbappé win the World Cup after scoring a hat-trick in the final?
Kylian Mbappé scored three times in the 2022 World Cup final, yet France did not win the trophy. The reason is simple: his hat-trick only brought France level at 3-3 after extra time. Argentina then won the penalty shootout 4-2.
A hat-trick is an individual achievement. The World Cup is decided by the final result of the team. Mbappé did almost everything one forward could reasonably do, but France still had to survive the shootout.
How Mbappé changed the final
France spent much of the match chasing Argentina. Mbappé first scored from the penalty spot and then struck again almost immediately to force extra time.
Lionel Messi put Argentina back in front during extra time. Mbappé answered with another penalty, completing his hat-trick and making it 3-3.
At that point, the match was still not over. The trophy would be decided from the spot.
Why the hat-trick did not decide the champion
Mbappé converted France's first kick in the shootout, but two French teammates failed to score. Argentina converted its first four penalties, so the shootout ended before a fifth round was needed.
The final result was:
- After 120 minutes: Argentina 3-3 France
- Penalty shootout: Argentina 4-2 France
- World champion: Argentina
Did Mbappé score four goals in the final?
No.
A successful kick in a penalty shootout does not count as an official match goal. It is used only to decide the winner. Mbappé's official total from the final remained three.
Did the defeat reduce the value of his performance?
Not really.
He became only the second man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. The loss denied him a second World Cup title, but it did not make the performance any less extraordinary.
By June 22, 2026, Mbappé had moved to 16 career World Cup goals after scoring twice against Iraq. That makes the 2022 final even more important in the story of one of the tournament's greatest scorers.
Frequently asked questions
How many goals did Mbappé score in the 2022 final?
Three during the match itself.
Why did France lose the shootout?
France missed two penalties, while Argentina converted its first four.
Did Mbappé win the 2022 Golden Boot?
Yes. He finished the tournament with eight goals.
Has Mbappé won a World Cup?
Yes. He won the 2018 World Cup with France and finished runner-up in 2022.