History & Records
The FIFA World Cup has crowned a champion every four years since 1930, pausing only for the Second World War. Eight nations have ever won it. Here is the story so far — and why 2026 is different.
Uruguay silenced a 200,000-strong Maracanã to beat host Brazil and win the title — still the sport’s most famous upset.
Pelé’s side, widely called the greatest team ever, lit up Mexico and kept the Jules Rimet trophy for good.
In one quarter-final, Maradona scored with his hand, then dribbled half of England for perhaps the greatest goal ever.
France’s talisman ended his career sent off in the final — an indelible image of brilliance and fury.
A classic final against France ended in penalties, and Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him.
2026 begins a new era: the first 48-team World Cup, the first hosted by three nations across a continent, and the most open field the tournament has ever seen — more debutants and more dark horses with a genuine shot than ever before.
How 2026 works