The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was football at its most unpredictable, dramatic and global. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit a tournament packed with shocks, superstars, VAR controversy and one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played.

From Kylian Mbappé announcing himself to the world and Luka Modrić inspiring Croatia’s historic run, to England finally winning a penalty shootout and France becoming world champions again, Russia 2018 delivered unforgettable moments from start to finish.

We relive Benjamin Pavard’s stunning strike against Argentina — one of the greatest World Cup goals ever scored — alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic hat-trick against Spain, Belgium’s thrilling comeback against Japan and Croatia’s dramatic route to the final.

We also explore how this became the World Cup of set pieces, tactical evolution and VAR controversy. Germany crashed out in the group stage, football memes exploded across social media and Gareth Southgate unexpectedly turned England into believers again.

Beyond the football, we dive into the atmosphere of Russia 2018, the fan culture, the global feel of the tournament and why many fans now look back on it as one of the last universally enjoyed World Cups before football became even more commercialised and fragmented.

If you love football history, nostalgia, tactical discussion, iconic goals and unforgettable World Cup stories, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now to World Cup Rewind.

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