World Cup History

The FIFA World Cup has been held every four years since 1930 — interrupted only by World War II in 1942 and 1946.

Uruguay 1930. 13 teams competed. The hosts won the inaugural trophy, defeating Argentina 4–2 in the final in Montevideo.

Brazil remain the most decorated nation with 5 World Cup titles: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002. The only team to appear at every edition.

Four titles each. Italy won in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006. Germany in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014.

Maradona's Hand of God and Goal of the Century (1986). Zidane's headbutt (2006). Ronaldo's fever in 1998. Kylian Mbappé's hat-trick in the 2022 final.

Qatar 2022 was the first held in the Middle East and the last with 32 teams. Argentina finally broke their 36-year wait, with Messi lifting the trophy.

With 48 teams, 2026 is a new era. Three continents hosting. More nations with a genuine shot. The most open World Cup in history.