A diplomatic delegation from the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup were in Qatar today for a handover ceremony ahead of the final between France and Argentina.

Argentines let loose and streets across the country became places of celebration after an epic World Cup final in which the national team beat France on penalties.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said that he will keep Lionel Messi’s jersey ready in case the talismanic captain wishes to play at the next World Cup after he ended the country’s 36-year wait to hoist the golden trophy again.

France are disappointed they could not successfully defend their World Cup crown after losing to Argentina on penalties in Sunday’s final but leave Qatar with heads high having fought until the end, players Raphael Varane and Hugo Lloris said.

Argentina was made to suffer before landing their first World Cup title in 36 years, having twice squandered a lead, including in extra-time before edging past defending champions France 4-2 on penalties in the final on Sunday.

Argentina won their third World Cup in extraordinary style this morning, beating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-3 draw that featured a hat-trick for Kylian Mbappe as the holders recovered from 2-0 down after 80 minutes.

Lionel Messi will head to Argentina with more than one prized possession, taking home the FIFA World Cup as well as the Golden Ball Award.

Excited fans in France and Argentina are counting down the hours to what promises to be a memorable World Cup final in Doha.

After 63 matches, the World Cup in Qatar comes to a close tomorrow morning when reigning champions France take on Argentina in a showpiece final at Lusail Stadium.

Unified, revitalized and with key players in form, Argentina head into the final in rude health with many tipping them for the World Cup title.

With Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi headlining a fixture that produced seven goals the last time these heavyweights traded blows, Argentina vs France should be a FIFA World Cup final to savor.

As French soccer star Kylian Mbappe gears up for the World Cup final on Sunday in Qatar, the striker’s presence is also felt strongly in Bondy, the unassuming satellite city of Paris where he grew up.