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 — up to and including 2026.
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.
Ferran Torres struck in extra time to beat Argentina 1–0 at MetLife, giving Spain a second title and making it the first nation to hold the men’s and women’s World Cups at once.
2026 began 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 had ever seen — four debutants, 104 matches, and a record 6.8 million fans through the gates.
How 2026 works