Brazil, holders of the record for the most titles at this event, were denied a 10th victory in front of 23,000 fans at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba.

It proved to be a five set thriller with the French prevailing 21-25, 25-15, 25-23, 19-25, 15-13.

Earvin Ngapeth claimed the Most Valuable Player honour after he scored 29 times, beating Brazil’s Wallace De Souza and Ricardo Lucarelli, who each scored 22 points.

"It was an incredible game, a very nice final with so many emotions and fantastic actions," said French coach Laurent Tillie.

"The best part of the match was the mental side - both teams fought with all their forces until luck decided the game.

"This championship is my biggest satisfaction.

"The World League has an incredible atmosphere with such great fans and to win it again is awesome."

Prior to this year's tournament the French had just one title to their name, which came the last time the final was in Brazil in 2015.

Canada claimed a podium finish for the very first time after beating the United States to win the bronze medal.

Led by John Gordon Perrin, who scored 13 points, the Canadians came from behind to claim a 18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-21 win.

It was a significant improvement for the Canadians, 13th in 2016.