At an estimated cost of over $220 billion, it is currently the most expensive World Cup ever held. France are the defending champions, having defeated Croatia 4–2 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.This tournament is scheduled to be the last with 32 participating teams, as the field will increase to 48 teams for the 2026 edition. Because of Qatar’s intense summer heat, this World Cup is being held during November and December.