Stu Holden typically refrains from using his phone during broadcasts, but he made an exception for a significant moment.
During the thrilling 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, Gonzalo Montiel of Argentina confidently approached the penalty spot at Lusail Stadium. With a few spins of the ball and a deep breath, he took a right-footed shot, sending it past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and into the bottom corner. As the ball struck the net, Montiel jubilantly celebrated, tears of joy streaming down his face, amidst the embrace of his teammates. This victory marked Argentina’s win in a legendary match, culminating in Lionel Messi finally lifting the coveted World Cup trophy.
Meanwhile, Holden was positioned off-camera, preparing to capture the moment alongside his broadcast partner John Strong, who was communicating live for FOX Sports. Upon Montiel’s goal, Holden shifted his attention to the Argentine broadcast team, wanting to encapsulate the emotional scene.
“I realized then that we wouldn’t need to speak for a couple of minutes,” Holden recalled in a recent phone discussion, reflecting on the game three years later. “There’s no substitute for what you’re hearing and seeing. I stepped back to record John’s commentary, wanting to preserve this moment.”
Fast forward to December 18, 2025, marking three years since Argentina’s dramatic win over France. As Holden and Strong prepare for the upcoming 2026 tournament in the U.S., they fondly remember their experiences from Qatar.
The match was scheduled for the evening, allowing both broadcasters a unique day to prepare. Strong faced challenges packing for his return flight the next day, while Holden kept up with his training and notes. For them, arriving at Lusail Stadium early had become routine, providing a chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere while savoring cappuccinos and gelato at a nearby café.
“We were brainstorming ideas together, not even glancing at our notes,” Holden said. “The streets buzzed with fans from Argentina and France, creating an electric atmosphere. It was clear that the upcoming 90 or 120 minutes meant the world to them, impacting their mood for years.”
Eventually, they strolled to the stadium, passing through a VIP entrance and heading to their broadcast position. Although Strong is an avid coffee lover, their tradition now included enjoying Karak Chai, a spiced tea favored in the region, before the match began.
“It’s about immersing yourself in the moment while also preparing mentally for what’s next,” Strong noted during our call.
The final turned out to be breathtaking, with Argentina initially leading 2-0. However, around the 70th minute, Strong shifted to storytelling mode, choosing to celebrate Messi and his journey through previous World Cups, especially as multiple players from Argentina’s legendary 1986 squad were present.
Then, in a dramatic twist, Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty kick, followed by another goal just a minute later, leveling the match late in regulation.
“Just when we were set to dive into deeper storytelling, everything shifted in an instant,” Strong recounted. “In seconds, it went from broad narratives to pure excitement.”
As the tension grew, Holden captured the intensity of the moment, reflecting on their collective adrenaline. The final minutes of regulation saw them briefly cut back to the FOX studio before extra time, resulting in a frantic dash for a bathroom break, where they could barely contain their excitement.
“Among broadcasters, there was a shared realization of how memorable this match was, with many dubbing it one of the greatest finals ever,” Holden recalled with a laugh.
Post-match, after Argentina’s triumphant celebrations, Strong and Holden savored a brief moment together, sharing a fist bump. “It felt like a sacred experience,” Holden expressed.
Later, despite heavy traffic, Holden navigated to the FOX set for the after-game analysis. It was only later at a hotel bar that they all found time to unwind and reflect on the unforgettable match.
As they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the duo is optimistic about the hype surrounding the event, featuring stars like Messi, Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Strong pondered the excitement likely to unfold in locations like Times Square for the finals.
With promising sentiments about upcoming tournaments, they hope for even more spectacular moments in the next year, eager for the drama to unfold.
Fan Take: This thrilling recounting of the 2022 World Cup final encapsulates the spirit of soccer, highlighting unforgettable moments that shape a player’s legacy and unite fans worldwide. As we gear up for the 2026 tournament, the anticipation and excitement for the sport continue to grow, promising more memorable stories to cherish.
