🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 198 (from laksa017)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa198.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup","crawl_time":1772552051,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,fandom!big-soccer,\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup s443","src_root_hash":"11439660390604180198","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"FIFA World Cup | Big Soccer Wiki | Fandom","meta_descriptions":["The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every..."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"FIFA World Cup\nMost successful team(s)\nFile:Flag of Brazil.svg\n \nBrazil\n(5 titles)\nThe\nFIFA World Cup\n, often simply the\nWorld Cup\n, is an international\nassociation football\ncompetition contested by the senior\nmen's national teams\nof the members of\nFédération Internationale de Football Association\n(\nFIFA\n), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the\ninaugural tournament in 1930\n, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the\nSecond World War\n. The current champions are\nSpain\n, who won the\n2010 tournament\n.\nThe current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month; this phase is often called the\nWorld Cup Finals\n. A\nqualification phase\n, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s).\nThe 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams.\nBrazil\nhave won five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are\nItaly\n, with four titles;\nGermany\n, with three titles;\nArgentina\nand inaugural winners\nUruguay\n, with two titles each; and\nEngland\n,\nFrance\n, and\nSpain\n, with one title each.\nThe World Cup is the world's most widely viewed sporting event; an estimated 715.1 million people watched the\nfinal match\nof the\n2006 FIFA World Cup\nheld in\nGermany\n.\n[\n1\n]\nThe next three World Cups will be hosted by\nBrazil\nin\n2014\n,\nRussia\nin\n2018\n, and\nQatar\nin\n2022\n.\n==History==\nMain article:\nHistory of the FIFA World Cup\n===Previous international competitions===\nThe world's first international football match was a challenge match played in\nGlasgow\nin 1872 between\nScotland\nand\nEngland\n,\n[\n2\n]\nwhich ended in a 0–0 draw. The first international tournament, the inaugural edition of the\nBritish Home Championship\n, took place in 1884.\n[\n3\n]\nAs football grew in popularity in other parts of the world at the turn of the 20th century, it was held as a\ndemonstration sport\nwith no medals awarded at the\n1900\nand\n1904 Summer Olympics\n(however, the IOC has retroactively upgraded their status to official events), and at the\n1906 Intercalated Games\n.\n[\n4\n]\nAfter\nFIFA\nwas founded in 1904, it tried to arrange an international football tournament between nations outside the Olympic framework in Switzerland in 1906. These were very early days for international football, and the official history of FIFA describes the competition as having been a failure.\n[\n5\n]\nAt the\n1908 Summer Olympics\nin\nLondon\n, football became an official competition. Planned by\nThe Football Association\n(FA), England's football governing body, the event was for\namateur\nplayers only and was regarded suspiciously as a show rather than a competition. Great Britain (represented by the\nEngland national amateur football team\n) won the\ngold medals\n. They repeated the feat in\n1912\nin\nStockholm\n.\nWith the Olympic event continuing to be contested only between amateur teams,\nSir Thomas Lipton\norganised the\nSir Thomas Lipton Trophy\ntournament in\nTurin\nin 1909. The Lipton tournament was a championship between individual clubs (not national teams) from different nations, each one of which represented an entire nation. The competition is sometimes described as\nThe First World Cup\n,\n[\n6\n]\nand featured the most prestigious professional club sides from Italy, Germany and Switzerland, but the FA of England refused to be associated with the competition and declined the offer to send a professional team. Lipton invited\nWest Auckland\n, an amateur side from\nCounty Durham\n, to represent England instead. West Auckland won the tournament and returned in 1911 to successfully defend their title.\nIn 1914, FIFA agreed to recognise the\nOlympic tournament\nas a \"world football championship for amateurs\", and took responsibility for managing the event.\n[\n7\n]\nThis paved the way for the world's first intercontinental football competition, at the\n1920 Summer Olympics\n, contested by\nEgypt\nand thirteen European teams, and won by\nBelgium\n.\n[\n8\n]\nUruguay\nwon the next two Olympic football tournaments in\n1924\nand\n1928\n. Those were also the first two open world championships, as 1924 was the start of FIFA's professional era.\nFile:Estadiocentenario.JPG\nEstadio Centenario\n, the location of the first World Cup final in 1930 in\nMontevideo\n,\nUruguay\nDue to the success of the Olympic football tournaments, FIFA, with\nPresident\nJules Rimet\nthe driving force, again started looking at staging its own international tournament outside of the Olympics. On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in\nAmsterdam\ndecided to stage a world championship itself.\n[\n9\n]\nWith Uruguay now two-time official football world champions and to celebrate their\ncentenary\nof independence in 1930, FIFA named\nUruguay\nas the host country of the\ninaugural World Cup tournament\n.\nThe national associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet eventually persuaded teams from\nBelgium\n,\nFrance\n,\nRomania\n, and\nYugoslavia\nto make the trip. In total thirteen nations took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America.\nThe first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously on 13 July 1930, and were won by\nFrance\nand\nUSA\n, who defeated\nMexico\n4–1 and\nBelgium\n3–0 respectively. The first goal in World Cup history was scored by\nLucien Laurent\nof France.\n[\n10\n]\nIn the\nfinal\n,\nUruguay\ndefeated\nArgentina\n4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in\nMontevideo\n, and in doing so became the first nation to win the World Cup.\n[\n11\n]\n===World Cups before World War II===\nAfter the creation of the World Cup, the\n1932 Summer Olympics\n, held in\nLos Angeles\n, did not plan to include football as part of the schedule due to the low popularity of\nthe sport in the United States\n, as\nAmerican football\nhad been growing in popularity. FIFA and the\nIOC\nalso disagreed over the status of amateur players, and so football was dropped from the Games.\n[\n12\n]\nOlympic football returned at the\n1936 Summer Olympics\n, but was now overshadowed by the more prestigious World Cup.\nThe issues facing the early World Cup tournaments were the difficulties of intercontinental travel, and war. Few South American teams were willing to travel to Europe for the\n1934\nand\n1938\ntournaments, with\nBrazil\nthe only South American team to compete in both. The 1942 and 1946 competitions, which\nNazi Germany\nand\nBrazil\nsought to host,\n[\n13\n]\nwere cancelled due to\nWorld War II\nand its aftermath.\n===World Cups after World War II===\nThe\n1950 World Cup\n, held in\nBrazil\n, was the first to include British participants.\nBritish teams\nwithdrew from FIFA in 1920, partly out of unwillingness to play against the countries they had been at war with, and partly as a protest against foreign influence on football,\n[\n14\n]\nbut rejoined in 1946 following FIFA's invitation.\n[\n15\n]\nThe tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions\nUruguay\n, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups. Uruguay won the tournament again after defeating the host nation Brazil, in the match called \"\nMaracanazo\n\" (Portuguese:\nMaracanaço\n).\nMap of countries' best results\nMap of countries' best results\nIn the tournaments between 1934 and\n1978\n, 16 teams competed in each tournament, except in 1938, when\nAustria\nwas\nabsorbed\ninto\nGermany\nafter qualifying, leaving the tournament with 15 teams, and in 1950, when\nIndia\n,\nScotland\nand\nTurkey\nwithdrew, leaving the tournament with 13 teams.\n[\n16\n]\nMost of the participating nations were from Europe and South America, with a small minority from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. These teams were usually defeated easily by the European and South American teams. Until 1982, the only teams from outside Europe and South America to advance out of the first round were:\nUSA\n, semi-finalists in 1930;\nCuba\n, quarter-finalists in 1938;\nKorea DPR\n, quarter-finalists in\n1966\n; and\nMexico\n, quarter-finalists in\n1970\n.\n===Expansion to 32 teams===\nThe tournament was expanded to 24 teams in\n1982\n,\n[\n17\n]\nand then to 32 in\n1998\n,\n[\n18\n]\nalso allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part. Since then, teams from these regions have enjoyed more success, with several having reached the quarter-finals:\nMexico\n, quarter-finalists in\n1986\n;\nCameroon\n, quarter-finalists in\n1990\n;\nKorea Republic\n, finishing in fourth place in\n2002\n;\nSenegal\n, along with\nUSA\n, both quarter-finalists in 2002; and\nGhana\nas quarter-finalists in 2010. Nevertheless, European and South American teams continue to dominate, e.g., the quarter-finalists in 1994, 1998 and 2006 were all from Europe or South America.\nTwo hundred teams entered the\n2002 FIFA World Cup\nqualification rounds; 198 nations attempted to qualify for the\n2006 FIFA World Cup\n, while a record 204 countries entered qualification for the\n2010 FIFA World Cup\n.\n[\n19\n]\n===Other FIFA tournaments===\nAn equivalent tournament for\nwomen's football\n, the\nFIFA Women's World Cup\n, was first held in\n1991\nin the\nPeople's Republic of China\n.\n[\n20\n]\nThe women's tournament is smaller in scale and profile than the men's, but is growing; the number of entrants for the 2007 tournament was 120, more than double that of 1991.\nFootball has been included in every\nSummer Olympic Games\nexcept 1896 and 1932. Unlike many other sports, the men's\nfootball tournament at the Olympics\nis not a top-level tournament, and since 1992, an under-23 tournament with each team allowed three over-age players.\n[\n21\n]\nWomen's football made its Olympic debut in 1996, and is contested between full national sides with no age restrictions.\nThe\nFIFA Confederations Cup\nis a tournament held one year before the World Cup at the World Cup host nation(s) as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup champion and the host country.\n[\n22\n]\nFIFA also organises international tournaments for youth football (\nFIFA U-20 World Cup\n,\nFIFA U-17 World Cup\n,\nFIFA U-20 Women's World Cup\n,\nFIFA U-17 Women's World Cup\n), club football (\nFIFA Club World Cup\n), and football variants such as\nfutsal\n(\nFIFA Futsal World Cup\n) and\nbeach soccer\n(\nFIFA Beach Soccer World Cup\n). Since the 2010 edition, the U-20 Women's World Cup has played the same role in women's football as the Confederations Cup plays in the men's game. When the U-20 Women's World Cup is held the year before the Women's World Cup, both tournaments are awarded in a single bidding process, with the U-20 tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the larger competition.\n==Trophy==\nMain article:\nFIFA World Cup Trophy\nFile:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg\nThe\nFIFA World Cup Trophy\non a German\nstamp\nFrom 1930 to 1970, the\nJules Rimet Trophy\nwas awarded to the World Cup winner. It was originally simply known as the\nWorld Cup\nor\nCoupe du Monde\n, but in 1946 it was renamed after the FIFA president\nJules Rimet\nwho set up the first tournament. In\n1970\n,\nBrazil\n's third victory in the tournament entitled them to keep the trophy permanently. However, the trophy was stolen in 1983, and has never been recovered, apparently melted down by the thieves.\n[\n23\n]\nAfter 1970, a new trophy, known as the\nFIFA World Cup Trophy\n, was designed. The experts of FIFA, coming from seven different countries, evaluated the 53 presented models, finally opting for the work of the Italian designer\nSilvio Gazzaniga\n. The new trophy is 36 cm (14.2 in) high, made of solid 18\ncarat\n(75%) gold and weighs 6.175 kg (13.6 lb). The base contains two layers of semi-precious\nmalachite\nwhile the bottom side of the trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since\n1974\n. The description of the trophy by Gazzaniga was: \"The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory.\"\n[\n24\n]\nThis new trophy is not awarded to the winning nation permanently. World Cup winners retain the trophy until the next tournament and are awarded a gold-plated replica rather than the solid gold original.\n[\n25\n]\nAt the present, all members (players, coaches, and managers) of the top three teams receive medals with an insignia of the\nWorld Cup Trophy\n; winners' (gold), runner-ups' (silver), and third-place (bronze). In the\n2002 edition\n, fourth-place medals were awarded to hosts\nSouth Korea\n.  Prior to the 1978 tournament, medals were only awarded to the eleven players on the pitch at the end of the final and the third-place match. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.\n[\n26\n]\n[\n27\n]\n[\n28\n]\nFormat\n[\n]\n===Qualification===\nMain article:\nFIFA World Cup qualification\nSince the second World Cup in\n1934\n, qualifying tournaments have been held to thin the field for the final tournament.\n[\n29\n]\nThey are held within the six FIFA continental zones (\nAfrica\n,\nAsia\n,\nNorth and Central America and Caribbean\n,\nSouth America\n,\nOceania\n, and\nEurope\n), overseen by their respective confederations. For each tournament, FIFA decides the number of places awarded to each of the continental zones beforehand, generally based on the relative strength of the confederations' teams.\nThe qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental\nplay-offs\n. For example, the winner of the Oceanian zone and the fifth-placed team from the Asian zone entered a play-off for a spot in the\n2010 World Cup\n.\n[\n30\n]\nFrom the\n1938 World Cup\nonwards, host nations received automatic qualification to the final tournament. This right was also granted to the defending champions between 1938 and 2002, but was withdrawn from the\n2006 FIFA World Cup\nonward, requiring the champions to qualify.\nBrazil\n, winners in\n2002\n, were the first defending champions to play qualifying matches.\n[\n31\n]\n===Final tournament===\nFor the various formats used in previous tournaments, see\nHistory of the FIFA World Cup#Format of each final tournament\n.\nThe current final tournament features 32 national teams competing over a month in the host nation(s). There are two stages: the group stage followed by the knockout stage.\n[\n32\n]\nIn the group stage, teams compete within eight groups of four teams each. Eight teams are seeded, including the hosts, with the other seeded teams selected using a formula based on the\nFIFA World Rankings\nand\/or performances in recent World Cups, and drawn to separate groups.\n[\n33\n]\nThe other teams are assigned to different \"pots\", usually based on geographical criteria, and teams in each pot are drawn at random to the eight groups. Since\n1998\n, constraints have been applied to the draw to ensure that no group contains more than two European teams or more than one team from any other confederation.\n[\n34\n]\nEach group plays a\nround-robin tournament\n, in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams.\n[\n35\n]\nThe top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since\n1994\n,\nthree points have been awarded for a win\n, one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points).\nThe ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:\n[\n36\n]\n# Greatest number of points in group matches\n# Greatest goal difference in group matches\n# Greatest number of goals scored in group matches\n# If more than one team remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined as follows:\n## Greatest number of points in head-to-head matches among those teams\n## Greatest goal difference in head-to-head matches among those teams\n## Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among those teams\n# If any of the teams above remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined by the drawing of lots\nThe knockout stage is a\nsingle-elimination tournament\nin which teams play each other in one-off matches, with\nextra time\nand\npenalty shootouts\nused to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 16 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the\nthird-place match\n(contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final.\n[\n32\n]\n==Hosts==\nMain article:\nFIFA World Cup hosts\n===Selection process===\nTemplate:Wikinews\nEarly World Cups were given to countries at meetings of FIFA's congress. The locations were controversial because South America and Europe were by far the two centres of strength in football and travel between them required three weeks by boat. The decision to hold the\nfirst World Cup\nin Uruguay, for example, led to only four European nations competing.\n[\n37\n]\nThe next two World Cups were both held in Europe. The decision to hold the second of these in France was disputed, as the South American countries understood that the location would alternate between the two continents. Both Argentina and Uruguay thus boycotted the\n1938 FIFA World Cup\n.\n[\n38\n]\nSince the\n1958 FIFA World Cup\n, to avoid future boycotts or controversy, FIFA began a pattern of alternating the hosts between the Americas and Europe, which continued until the\n1998 FIFA World Cup\n. The\n2002 FIFA World Cup\n, hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan, was the first one held in Asia, and the only tournament with multiple hosts.\n[\n39\n]\nSouth Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup in\n2010\n. The\n2014 FIFA World Cup\nwill be hosted by Brazil, the first held in South America since\n1978\n,\n[\n40\n]\nand will be the first occasion where consecutive World Cups are held outside Europe.\nThe host country is now chosen in a vote by FIFA's Executive Committee. This is done under an\nexhaustive ballot\nsystem. The national football association of a country desiring to host the event receives a \"Hosting Agreement\" from FIFA, which explains the steps and requirements that are expected from a strong bid. The bidding association also receives a form, the submission of which represents the official confirmation of the candidacy. After this, a FIFA designated group of inspectors visit the country to identify that the country meets the requirements needed to host the event and a report on the country is produced. The decision on who will host the World Cup is usually made six or seven years in advance of the tournament. However, there have been occasions where the hosts of multiple future tournaments were announced at the same time, as was the case for the\n2018 and 2022 World Cups\n, which were awarded to\nRussia\nand\nQatar\nrespectively.\nFor the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the final tournament is rotated between confederations, allowing only countries from the chosen confederation (Africa in 2010, South America in 2014) to bid to host the tournament. The rotation policy was introduced after the\ncontroversy\nsurrounding Germany's victory over South Africa in the vote to host the\n2006 tournament\n. However, the policy of continental rotation will not continue beyond 2014, so any country, except those belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments, can apply as hosts for World Cups starting from\n2018\n.\n[\n41\n]\nThis is partly to avoid a similar scenario to the bidding process for the 2014 tournament, where Brazil was the only official bidder.\n===Performances===\nSee also:\nResults of host nations in the FIFA World Cup\nSix of the eight champions have won one of their titles while playing in their own homeland, the exceptions being\nBrazil\n, who finished as runners-up after losing the\ndeciding match\non home soil in 1950, and\nSpain\n, which reached the second round on home soil in 1982.\nEngland\n(1966) and\nFrance\n(1998) won their only titles while playing as host nations.\nUruguay\n(1930),\nItaly\n(1934) and\nArgentina\n(1978) won their first titles as host nations but have gone on to win again, while\nGermany\n(1974) won their second title on home soil.\nOther nations have also been successful when hosting the tournament.\nSweden\n(runners-up in 1958),\nChile\n(third place in 1962),\nKorea Republic\n(fourth place in 2002), and\nMexico\n(quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986) all have their best results when serving as hosts. So far,\nSouth Africa\n(2010) was the only host nation to fail to advance beyond the first round.\n==Organisation and media coverage==\nSee also:\nList of FIFA World Cup broadcasters\nThe World Cup was first televised in 1954 and is now the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the\nOlympic Games\n. The cumulative audience of all matches of the 2006 World Cup is estimated to be 26.29 billion.\n[\n1\n]\n715.1 million individuals watched the final match of this tournament (a ninth of the entire population of the planet). The 2006 World Cup draw, which decided the distribution of teams into groups, was watched by 300 million viewers.\n[\n42\n]\nEach FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own\nmascot\nor logo.\nWorld Cup Willie\n, the mascot for the 1966 competition, was the first\nWorld Cup mascot\n.\n[\n43\n]\nRecent World Cups have also featured\nofficial match balls\nspecially designed for each World Cup.\n===Attendance===\nSee also:\nList of sports attendance figures\n{| class=\"wikitable sortable\" style=\"text-align: center;\"  \n|-\n!Year & Host\n!Total Attendance\n!# Matches\n!Avg Attendance\n|-\n|\nUruguay\n1930\n||434,500||18||24,139\n|-\n|\nItaly\n1934\n||358,000||17||21,059\n|-\n|\nFrance\n1938\n||483,000 ||18||26,833\n|-\n|\nBrazil\n1950\n||1,043,500||22||47,432\n|-\n|\nSwitzerland\n1954\n|| 889,500 ||26|| 34,212\n|-\n|\nSweden\n1958\n|| 919,580 ||35|| 26,274\n|-\n|\nChile\n1962\n|| 899,074  ||32|| 28,096\n|-\n|\nEngland\n1966\n|| 1,635,000 ||32|| 51,094\n|-\n|\nMexico\n1970\n|| 1,603,975 ||32|| 50,124\n|-\n|\nWest Germany\n1974\n|| 1,774,022 ||38|| 46,685\n|-\n|\nArgentina\n1978\n|| 1,546,151  ||38|| 40,688\n|-\n|\nSpain\n1982\n|| 2,109,723||52|| 40,572\n|-\n|\nMexico\n1986\n|| 2,393,031 ||52|| 46,020\n|-\n|\nItaly\n1990\n|| 2,516,348 ||52|| 48,391\n|-\n|\nUnited States\n \n1994\n|| 3,587,538 ||52|| 68,991\n|- \n|\nFrance\n \n1998\n|| 2,785,100 ||64|| 43,517\n|-\n|\nJapan\nSouth Korea\n \n2002\n|| 2,705,197 ||64|| 42,269\n|- \n|\nGermany\n \n2006\n||      3,359,439  ||64|| 52,491\n|-\n|\nSouth Africa\n \n2010\n|| 3,178,856  ||64|| 49,670\n|}\n==Results==\nSee also:\nList of FIFA World Cup finals\n{| class=\"wikitable\" style=\"text-align:center; width:100%\"\n|-\n!width=5%|Year\n!width=10%|Host\n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff|\n!width=14%|Winners\n!width=10%|Score\n!width=14%|Runners-up\n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff|\n!width=14%|Third place\n!width=10%|Score\n!width=14%|Fourth place\n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff|\n!width=4%|Number of teams\n|-\n|1930\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Uruguay.svg\n \nUruguay\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n4–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n[\nnote 1\n]\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|13\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1934\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg\n \nItaly\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n2–1\nTemplate:Aet\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|-\n|1938\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of France.svg\n \nFrance\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n4–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n4–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\/15\n[\nnote 2\n]\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1950\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Brazil.svg\n \nBrazil\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n[\nnote 3\n]\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n[\nnote 3\n]\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\/13\n[\nnote 4\n]\n|-\n|1954\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Switzerland.svg\n \nSwitzerland\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1958\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Sweden.svg\n \nSweden\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n5–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n6–3\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|-\n|1962\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Chile.svg\n \nChile\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n1–0\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1966\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of England.svg\n \nEngland\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n4–2\nTemplate:Aet\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n2–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|-\n|1970\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Mexico.svg\n \nMexico\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n4–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n1–0\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1974\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Germany.svg\n \nWest Germany\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n2–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n1–0\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|-\n|1978\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Argentina.svg\n \nArgentina\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–1\nTemplate:Aet\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n2–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|16\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1982\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Spain.svg\n \nSpain\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|24\n|-\n|1986\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Mexico.svg\n \nMexico\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n4–2\nTemplate:Aet\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|24\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1990\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Italy.svg\n \nItaly\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n1–0\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n2–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|24\n|-\n|1994\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of the United States.svg\n \nUnited States\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n0–0\n(3–2\np\n)\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n4–0\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|24\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|1998\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of France.svg\n \nFrance\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–0\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n2–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|32\n|-\n|2002\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of South Korea.svg\n \nSouth Korea\n&\nFile:Flag of Japan.svg\n \nJapan\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n2–0\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|32\n|- style=\"background: #D0E6FF;\"\n|2006\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of Germany.svg\n \nGermany\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n1–1\n(5–3\np\n)\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–1\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|32\n|-\n|2010\nDetails\n|\nFile:Flag of South Africa.svg\n \nSouth Africa\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n1–0\nTemplate:Aet\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|\n3–2\n|\nTemplate:Fb-big\n|32\n|-\n|}\n*\naet\n: after extra time\n*\np\n: after penalty shoot-out\nNotes\n↑\nThere was no official World Cup Third Place match in 1930; The United States and Yugoslavia lost in the semi-finals. FIFA now recognises the United States as the third-placed team and Yugoslavia as the fourth-placed team, using the overall records of the teams in the tournament.\n[\n44\n]\n↑\nAustria withdrew after the draw as a result of the\nAnschluss\nwith Germany:  some Austrian players subsequently joined the German squad, leaving the tournament with 15 teams.\n↑\n3.0\n3.1\nThere was no official World Cup final match in 1950.\n[\n45\n]\nThe tournament winner was decided by a final round-robin group contested by four teams (Uruguay, Brazil, Sweden, and Spain). Coincidentally, one of the last two matches of the tournament pitted the two top ranked teams against each other, with\nUruguay's 2–1 victory over Brazil\nthus often being considered as the de facto final of the 1950 World Cup.\n[\n46\n]\nLikewise, the game between the lowest ranked teams, played at the same time as Uruguay vs Brazil, can be considered equal to a Third Place match, with Sweden's 3–1 victory over Spain ensuring that they finished third.\n↑\nOnly 13 teams played the 1950 FIFA World Cup.\n[\n47\n]\n16 teams entered the seeding groups draw. However, Turkey and Scotland both withdrew before the draw;  France (eliminated in qualifying) was invited as a replacement, leaving the tournament to be held with 15 teams. After the draw, India and France both withdrew, so only 13 teams participated in the tournament.\nIn all, 76 nations have\nplayed in at least one World Cup\n.\n[\n48\n]\nOf these, eight national teams have won the World Cup, and they have added\nstars to their badges\n, with each star representing a World Cup victory. (However, Uruguay are an exception to this unwritten rule; they choose to display four stars on their badge, representing their two gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics and their two World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950).\nWith five titles, Brazil are the most successful World Cup team and also the only nation to have\nplayed in every World Cup\n(19) to date,\n[\n49\n]\nand they will host the 20th in 2014.  Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) are the only nations to have won consecutive titles. West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002) are the only nations to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Germany have made the most top-four finishes, with twelve, while sharing the record of most top-two finishes with Brazil, with seven.\n===Teams reaching the top four===\nSee also:\nFIFA World Cup comprehensive team results by tournament\n{| class=\"wikitable sortable\"\n|-\n! Team !! Titles !! Runners-up !! Third place !! Fourth place !! Total finishes in top four\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Brazil.svg\n \nBrazil\n|5 (\n1958\n,\n1962\n,\n1970\n,\n1994\n,\n2002\n)\n|2 (\n1950\n*\n,\n1998\n)\n|2 (\n1938\n,\n1978\n)\n|1 (\n1974\n)\n|10\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Italy.svg\n \nItaly\n|4 (\n1934\n*\n,\n1938\n,\n1982\n,\n2006\n)\n|2 (\n1970\n,\n1994\n)\n|1 (\n1990\n*\n)\n|1 (\n1978\n)\n|8\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Germany.svg\n \nGermany\n^\n|3 (\n1954\n,\n1974\n*\n,\n1990\n)\n|4 (\n1966\n,\n1982\n,\n1986\n,\n2002\n)\n|4 (\n1934\n,\n1970\n,\n2006*\n,\n2010\n)\n|1 (\n1958\n)\n|12\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Argentina.svg\n \nArgentina\n|2 (\n1978\n*\n,\n1986\n)\n|2 (\n1930\n,\n1990\n)\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|4\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Uruguay.svg\n \nUruguay\n|2 (\n1930\n*\n,\n1950\n)\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|3 (\n1954\n,\n1970\n,\n2010\n)\n|5\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of France.svg\n \nFrance\n|1 (\n1998\n*\n)\n|1 (\n2006\n)\n|2 (\n1958\n,\n1986\n)\n|1 (\n1982\n)\n|5\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of England.svg\n \nEngland\n|1 (\n1966\n*\n)\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1990\n)\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Spain.svg\n \nSpain\n|1 (\n2010\n)\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1950\n)\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of the Netherlands.svg\n \nNetherlands\n|align=center| —\n|3 (\n1974\n,\n1978\n,\n2010\n)\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1998\n)\n|4\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg\n \nCzechoslovakia\n#\n|align=center| —\n|2 (\n1934\n,\n1962\n)\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Hungary.svg\n \nHungary\n|align=center| —\n|2 (\n1938\n,\n1954\n)\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Sweden.svg\n \nSweden\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1958\n*\n)\n|2 (\n1950\n,\n1994\n)\n|1 (\n1938\n)\n|4\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Poland.svg\n \nPoland\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|2 (\n1974\n,\n1982\n)\n|align=center| —\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Austria.svg\n \nAustria\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1954\n)\n|1 (\n1934\n)\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Portugal.svg\n \nPortugal\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1966\n)\n|1 (\n2006\n)\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of the United States.svg\n \nUnited States\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1930\n)\n|align=center| —\n|1\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Chile.svg\n \nChile\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1962\n*\n)\n|align=center| —\n|1\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Croatia.svg\n \nCroatia\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1998\n)\n|align=center| —\n|1\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Turkey.svg\n \nTurkey\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n2002\n)\n|align=center| —\n|1\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg\n \nYugoslavia\n#\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|2 (\n1930\n,\n1962\n)\n|2\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg\n \nSoviet Union\n#\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1966\n)\n|1\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg\n \nBelgium\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1986\n)\n|1\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of Bulgaria.svg\n \nBulgaria\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n1994\n)\n|1\n|-\n|\nFile:Flag of South Korea.svg\n \nSouth Korea\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|align=center| —\n|1 (\n2002\n*\n)\n|1\n|}\n:\n* = hosts\n:\n^ = includes results\nrepresenting West Germany between 1954 and 1990\n:\n#\n=\nstates that have since split into two or more independent nations\n[\n48\n]\n===Best performances by continental zones===\nSee also:\nFIFA World Cup results by confederation\nTo date, the final of the World Cup has only been contested by\nEuropean\nand\nSouth American\nteams. European nations have won ten titles; South American teams have won nine. Only two teams from outside these two continents have ever reached the semi-finals of the competition:\nUSA\n(\nNorth, Central America and Caribbean\n) in 1930 and\nKorea Republic\n(\nAsia\n) who reached the semis in 2002. The best result of an\nAfrican\nteam is reaching the quarter-finals:\nCameroon\nin 1990,\nSenegal\nin 2002 and\nGhana\nin 2010. Only one\nOceanian\nqualifier,\nAustralia\nin 2006, has advanced to the second round.\n[\n50\n]\nBrazil\n,\nArgentina\n, and\nSpain\nare the only teams to win a World Cup outside their continental confederation; Brazil came out victorious in\nEurope\n(\n1958\n),\nNorth America\n(\n1970\nand\n1994\n) and\nAsia\n(\n2002\n), Argentina won a North American World Cup in\n1986\n, while Spain won the only African World Cup in\n2010\n. Only on three occasions have consecutive World Cups been won by teams from the same continent –\nItaly\nand Brazil successfully defended their titles in 1938 and 1962 respectively, while Spain's 2010 triumph followed Italy's in 2006.\n==Awards==\nMain article:\nFIFA World Cup awards\nAt the end of each World Cup, awards are presented to the players and teams for accomplishments other than their final team positions in the tournament. There are currently six awards:\n[\n51\n]\n*The\nGolden Ball\nfor the best player, determined by a vote of media members (first awarded in 1982); the\nSilver Ball\nand the\nBronze Ball\nare awarded to the players finishing second and third in the voting respectively;\n[\n52\n]\n*The\nGolden Boot\n(sometimes called the\nGolden Shoe\n) for the top goalscorer (first awarded in 1982, but retrospectively applied to all tournaments from 1930); most recently, the\nSilver Boot\nand the\nBronze Boot\nhave been awarded to the second and third top goalscorers respectively;\n[\n53\n]\n*The\nGolden Glove Award\n(formerly the\nYashin Award\n) for the best\ngoalkeeper\n, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 1994);\n[\n54\n]\n*The\nBest Young Player Award\nfor the best player aged 21 or younger at the start of the calendar year, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 2006).\n*The\nFIFA Fair Play Trophy\nfor the team with the best record of\nfair play\n, according to the points system and criteria established by the FIFA Fair Play Committee (first awarded in 1978);\n*The\nMost Entertaining Team\nfor the team that has entertained the public the most during the World Cup, determined by a poll of the general public (first awarded in 1994);\nAn\nAll-Star Team\nconsisting of the best players of the tournament has also been announced for each tournament since 1998.\n==Records and statistics==\nMain article:\nFIFA World Cup records\nTwo players share the record for\nplaying in the most World Cups\n;\nMexico\n's\nAntonio Carbajal\n(1950–1966) and\nGermany\n's\nLothar Matthäus\n(1982–1998) both played in five tournaments.\n[\n56\n]\nMatthäus has played the most World Cup matches overall, with 25 appearances.\n[\n57\n]\nWest Germany\n's\nFranz Beckenbauer\n(1966–1974) is the only player to be named to three Finals\nAll-Star Teams\n.\nIn November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.\n[\n58\n]\nThis made\nBrazil\n's\nPelé\nthe only player to have won three World Cup winners' medals (1958, 1962, and 1970, although he did not play in the 1962 final due to injury),\n[\n59\n]\nwith\n20 other players who have won two winners' medals\n. Six players have collected all three types of World Cup medals (winners', runner- ups', and third-place); five players were from\nWest Germany\n's squad of 1966–1974 including\nFranz Beckenbauer\n, and the most recent has been Italy's\nFranco Baresi\n(1982, 1990, 1994).\nThe\noverall top goalscorer in World Cups\nis Brazil's\nRonaldo\n, scorer of 15 goals (1998–2006). Germany's\nMiroslav Klose\n(2002–2010) and West Germany's\nGerd Müller\n(1970–1974) are second, with 14 goals.\n[\n60\n]\nThe fourth placed goalscorer,\nFrance\n's\nJust Fontaine\n, holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup; all his 13 goals were scored in the 1958 tournament.\n[\n61\n]\nBrazil's\nMário Zagallo\nand West Germany's\nFranz Beckenbauer\nare the only people to date to win the World Cup as both player and head coach. Zagallo won in 1958 and 1962 as a player and in 1970 as head coach.\n[\n62\n]\nBeckenbauer won in 1974 as captain and in 1990 as head coach.\n[\n63\n]\nItaly\n's\nVittorio Pozzo\nis the only head coach to ever win two World Cups (1934 and 1938).\n[\n64\n]\nAll World Cup winning head coaches were natives of the country they coached to victory.\nAmong the national teams, Germany have played the most World Cup matches, with 99,\n[\n65\n]\nwhile Brazil have scored the most World Cup goals, with 210.\n[\n66\n]\nThe two teams have played each other only once in the World Cup, in the\n2002 final\n.\nSee also:\nAll-time table of the Football World Cup\n==See also==\n*\nNational team appearances in the FIFA World Cup\n*\nFIFA Women's World Cup\n*\nList of other competitions named World Cup\n*\n1980 Mundialito\n, a tournament held in Uruguay to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the World Cup\n*\nFIFA World Cup All-Time Team\n*\nFIFA World Cup Dream Team\n*\nFIFA World Cup official songs\n==Notes and references==\n↑\n1.0\n1.1\n\"2006 FIFA World Cup broadcast wider, longer and farther than ever before\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n.\nFédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/organisation\/marketing\/news\/newsid=111247\/index.html\n. Retrieved 11 October 2009\n.\n↑\n\"England National Football Team Match No. 1\"\n. England Football Online\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.englandfootballonline.com\/Seas1872-00\/1872-73\/M0001Sco1872.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"British PM backs return of Home Nations championship\"\n. Agence France-Presse\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.soccerway.com\/news\/2007\/November\/22\/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship\n. Retrieved 16 December 2007\n.\n↑\nElbech, Søren; Stokkermans, Karel (26 June 2008).\n\"Intermediate Games of the IV. Olympiad\"\n.\nrec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1906f.html\n.\n↑\n\"History of FIFA – FIFA takes shape\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa2.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"'The First World Cup'. The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy\"\n.\nShrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council\n. 10 October 2003. Archived from\nthe original\non 29 November 2003\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20031129221811\/http:\/\/www.shrewsbury.gov.uk\/Public\/news\/thomaslipton.htm\n. Retrieved 11 April 2006\n.\n↑\n\"History of FIFA – More associations follow\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa3.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\nReyes, Macario (18 October 1999).\n\"VII. Olympiad Antwerp 1920 Football Tournament\"\n. rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1920f-det.html\n. Retrieved 10 June 2006\n.\n↑\n\"History of FIFA – The first FIFA World Cup\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 19 November 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa4.html\n.\n↑\nMolinaro, John F.\n\"Lucien Laurent: The World Cup's First Goal Scorer\"\n.\nCBC\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/laurent_lucien.html\n. Retrieved 6 May 2007\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA World Cup Origin\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"The Olympic Odyssey so far... (Part 1: 1908–1964)\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/tournaments\/archive\/tournament=512\/edition=8229\/news\/newsid=92851.html\n. Retrieved 8 January 2008\n.\n↑\n\"Los datos más curiosos de la Fiesta del Fútbol - Brasil 1950 [The most curious of the Festival of Football - Brazil 1950]\"\n(in Spanish).\ncristal.com\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.cristal.com.pe\/articulo\/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950\n. Retrieved 17 April 2012\n.\n↑\n\"Scotland and the 1950 World Cup\"\n. BBC\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/scotland\/sportscotland\/asportingnation\/article\/0001\/index.shtml\n. Retrieved 13 May 2007\n.\n↑\nGlanville\n↑\nGlanville\n, p45\n↑\nGlanville\n, p238\n↑\nGlanville\n, p359\n↑\n\"Record number of 204 teams enter preliminary competition\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from\nthe original\non 17 November 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071117123621\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/organisation\/media\/newsid=122766.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA Women's World Cup\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/womenworldcup\/index.html\n. Retrieved 22 December 2007\n.\n↑\n\"Regulations Men's Olympic Football Tournament 2008\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf\n. Retrieved 22 December 2007\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA Confederations Cup\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/confederationcup\/index.html\n. Retrieved 22 December 2007\n.\n↑\n\"Jules Rimet Trophy\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/julesrimettrophy.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA World Cup Trophy\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/trophies.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA Assets – Trophy\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from\nthe original\non 4 November 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104165903\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/trophy.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals\"\n.\nESPNSoccernet.com\n(\nESPN\n). 25 November 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716\n.\n↑\n\"World Cup 1966 winners honoured\"\n. BBC Sport. 10 June 2009\n.\nhttp:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport2\/hi\/football\/8093891.stm\n.\n↑\n\"Jimmy Greaves finally gets his 1966 World Cup medal\"\n.\nMirror.co.uk\n(MGN)\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/top-stories\/2009\/06\/11\/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367\/\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA World Cup qualifying: Treasure-trove of the weird and wonderful\"\n.\nFIFA\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/preliminarydraw\/news\/newsid=576440.html\n. Retrieved 23 December 2007\n.\n↑\n\"2010 World Cup Qualifying\"\n.\nESPNSoccernet.com\n(ESPN). 26 November 2009\n.\nhttp:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=\n. Retrieved 23 December 2009\n.\n↑\n\"History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/51\/97\/75\/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf\n.\n↑\n32.0\n32.1\n\"Formats of the FIFA World Cup final competitions 1930–2010\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf\n. Retrieved 1 January 2008\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA World Cup: seeded teams 1930–2010\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/82\/40\/89\/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf\n.\n↑\nPreviously, due to there being fewer finals places and a bigger ratio of European finalists, there had been several occasions where three European teams were in a single group, for example, 1986 (West Germany, Scotland, and Denmark), 1990 (Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Austria), and 1994 (Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Norway). (\n\"History of the World Cup Final Draw\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf\n.\n)\n↑\nThis practice has been installed since the\n1986 FIFA World Cup\n. In some cases during previous tournaments, for example, Argentina 6–0 Peru in\nArgentina 1978\nand\nWest Germany 1–0 Austria\nin\nSpain 1982\n, teams that played the latter match were perceived to gain an unfair advantage by knowing the score of the earlier match, and subsequently\nobtaining a result that ensured advancement to the next stage\n. (\n\"1978 Argentina\"\n. CBC\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1978.html\n.\n;\n\"1982 Spain\"\n. CBC\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1982.html\n.\n)\n↑\n\"Regulations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. p. 41\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/fifa%5fwc%5fsouth%5fafrica%5f2010%5fregulations%5fen%5f14123.pdf\n. Retrieved 21 June 2010\n.\n↑\n\"Uruguay 1930\"\n. BBC Sport. 11 April 2002\n.\nhttp:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632201.stm\n. Retrieved 13 May 2006\n.\n↑\n\"France 1938\"\n. BBC Sport. 17 April 2002\n.\nhttp:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632206.stm\n. Retrieved 13 May 2006\n.\n↑\n\"Asia takes World Cup center stage\"\n. CNN. 3 June 2002\n.\nhttp:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/news\/2002\/06\/03\/au_asia_rb\/\n. Retrieved 1 January 2008\n.\n↑\n\"Brazil will stage 2014 World Cup\"\n. BBC Sport. 10 October 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/internationals\/7068848.stm\n. Retrieved 1 January 2008\n.\n↑\n\"Rotation ends in 2018\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from\nthe original\non 1 November 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071101002817\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/federation\/administration\/releases\/newsid=625122.html\n. Retrieved 10 October 2007\n.\n↑\n\"Socceroos face major challenge: Hiddink\"\n.\nABC Sport\n. 10 December 2005. Archived from\nthe original\non 30 April 2006\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060430001531\/http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/sport\/content\/200512\/s1528128.htm\n. Retrieved 13 May 2006\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA Assets – Mascots\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from\nthe original\non 4 November 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104232128\/http:\/\/fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/mascots.html\n. Retrieved 19 November 2007\n.\n↑\n\"1930 FIFA World Cup\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=1\/index.html\n. Retrieved 5 March 2009\n.\n↑\n\"1950 FIFA World Cup\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/overview.html\n. Retrieved 5 March 2009\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA World Cup Finals since 1930\"\n(PDF).\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf\n. Retrieved 5 March 2009\n.\n↑\n\"1950 FIFA World Cup\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/teams\/index.html\n. Retrieved 15 August 2011\n.\n↑\n48.0\n48.1\nFIFA considers that the national team of\nRussia\nsucceeds the\nUSSR\n, the national team of \nSerbia\nsucceeds the\nYugoslavia\n\/\nSerbia and Montenegro\n, and the national team of\nCzech Republic\nsucceeds the\nCzechoslovakia\n. (\n\"Russia\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=rus\/index.html\n.\n;\n\"Serbia\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=srb\/index.html\n.\n;\n\"Czech Republic\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=cze\/index.html\n.\n).\n↑\n\"Brazil\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=bra\/index.html\n.\n↑\nAustralia's qualification in 2006 was through the Oceanian zone as they were a member of the\nOFC\nmember during qualifying. However, on 1 January 2006, they left the Oceania Football Confederation and joined the\nAsian Football Confederation\n.\n↑\n\"FIFA World Cup awards\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf\n. Retrieved 5 March 2009\n.\n↑\n\"\nTemplate:Citation error\n\".\nSoccerway\n. 10 July 2006.\n↑\n\"adidas Golden Shoe – FIFA World Cup Final\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/awards\/golden\/award=gsa\/idcup=17\/pastcupawards.html\n. Retrieved 4 March 2009\n.\n↑\n\"\nTemplate:Citation error\n\". BBC Sport. 30 June 2002.\n↑\nYannis, Alex (10 November 1999).\nNew York Times\n.\n↑\n\"World Cup Hall of Fame: Lothar Matthaeus\"\n. CNN\n.\nhttp:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/hof\/matthaeus\/\n. Retrieved 23 December 2007\n.\n↑\n(\n\"122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals\"\n.\nESPNSoccernet.com,\n(ESPN). 25 November 2007\n.\nhttp:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716\n.\n)\n↑\nKirby, Gentry (5 July 2006). ESPN.\n↑\nChowdhury, Saj (27 June 2006).\n\"Ronaldo's riposte\"\n. BBC Sport\n.\nhttp:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/world_cup_2006\/teams\/brazil\/5112982.stm\n. Retrieved 23 December 2007\n.\n↑\n\"Goal machine was Just superb\"\n. BBC Sport. 4 April 2002\n.\nhttp:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/team_pages\/france\/newsid_1752000\/1752740.stm\n. Retrieved 23 December 2007\n.\n↑\nHughes, Rob (11 March 1998).\n\"No Alternative to Victory for National Coach : 150 Million Brazilians Keep Heat on Zagalo\"\n.\nInternational Herald Tribune\n. Archived from\nthe original\non 26 February 2008\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080226063509\/http:\/\/www.iht.com\/articles\/1998\/03\/11\/soccer.t_7.php\n. Retrieved 31 December 2007\n.\n↑\nBrewin, John (21 December 2007).\n\"World Cup Legends – Franz Beckenbauer\"\n.\nESPNSoccernet.com\n(ESPN)\n.\nhttp:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/archive\/worldcup\/editorial\/legends_beckenbauer.html\n. Retrieved 31 December 2007\n.\n↑\n\"1938 France\"\n. CBC\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1938.html\n. Retrieved 31 December 2007\n.\n↑\n\"Germany move ahead of Brazil\"\n.\nFIFA.com\n. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from\nthe original\non 9 July 2010\n.\nhttp:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100709063123\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/news\/newsid=1269182\/index.html\n?\n. Retrieved 6 July 2010\n.\n↑\n\"Planet World Cup – All time table\"\n. Planet World Cup\n.\nhttp:\/\/www.planetworldcup.com\/NATIONS\/maraton.html\n. Retrieved 26 January 2008\n.\n==Bibliography==\nGlanville, Brian (2005).\nThe Story of the World Cup\n. Faber. p. 44.\nISBN\n \n0-571-22944-1\n.\n==External links==\n*\nFIFA World Cup official site\n*\nPrevious FIFA World Cups\nTemplate:FIFA World Cup winners\nTemplate:FIFA World Cup\n{{{header}}}\n{{{body}}}\n{{{header}}}\n{{{body}}}\n{{{header}}}\n{{{body}}}\n{{{header}}}\n{{{body}}}","attrs_markdown":"[Sign In](https:\/\/auth.fandom.com\/signin?source=mw&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fbig-soccer.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FFIFA_World_Cup)\n\n[Register](https:\/\/auth.fandom.com\/register?source=mw&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fbig-soccer.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FFIFA_World_Cup)\n\n[Big Soccer Wiki](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Big_Soccer_Wiki)\n\n- Explore\n  - [Main Page](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Big_Soccer_Wiki)\n  - [Discuss](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/f)\n  - [All Pages](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:AllPages)\n  - [Community](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Community)\n  - [Interactive Maps](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:AllMaps)\n- Wiki Content\n  - 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[RCD Espanyol](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/RCD_Espanyol)\n    - [Getafe CF](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Getafe_CF)\n- Community\n  - [Help](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Help:Contents)\n\nin: [Pages using duplicate arguments in template calls](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Category:Pages_using_duplicate_arguments_in_template_calls \"Category:Pages using duplicate arguments in template calls\")\n\n# FIFA World Cup\n[Sign in to edit](https:\/\/auth.fandom.com\/signin?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fbig-soccer.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FFIFA_World_Cup%3Fveaction%3Dedit&uselang=en&metadata=article-registration-edit-article)\n\n- [History](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup?action=history)\n- [Purge](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup?action=purge)\n- [Talk (0)](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Talk:FIFA_World_Cup?action=edit&redlink=1)\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| Most successful team(s) | [File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") Brazil (5 titles) |\n\nThe **FIFA World Cup**, often simply the **World Cup**, is an international [association football](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Association_football \"Association football\") competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of *Fédération Internationale de Football Association* ([FIFA](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA \"FIFA\")), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War. The current champions are Spain, who won the 2010 tournament.\n\nThe current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month; this phase is often called the *World Cup Finals*. A qualification phase, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s).\n\nThe 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams. Brazil have won five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are Italy, with four titles; Germany, with three titles; Argentina and inaugural winners Uruguay, with two titles each; and England, France, and Spain, with one title each.\n\nThe World Cup is the world's most widely viewed sporting event; an estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in [Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Germany \"Germany\").[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1)\n\nThe next three World Cups will be hosted by [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\") in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.\n\n\\==History==\n\n*Main article: History of the FIFA World Cup*\n\n\\===Previous international competitions===  \nThe world's first international football match was a challenge match played in Glasgow in 1872 between Scotland and England,[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2) which ended in a 0–0 draw. The first international tournament, the inaugural edition of the British Home Championship, took place in 1884.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-3) As football grew in popularity in other parts of the world at the turn of the 20th century, it was held as a demonstration sport with no medals awarded at the 1900 and 1904 Summer Olympics (however, the IOC has retroactively upgraded their status to official events), and at the 1906 Intercalated Games.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-4)\n\nAfter [FIFA](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA \"FIFA\") was founded in 1904, it tried to arrange an international football tournament between nations outside the Olympic framework in Switzerland in 1906. These were very early days for international football, and the official history of FIFA describes the competition as having been a failure.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-5)\n\nAt the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, football became an official competition. Planned by The Football Association (FA), England's football governing body, the event was for amateur players only and was regarded suspiciously as a show rather than a competition. Great Britain (represented by the England national amateur football team) won the gold medals. They repeated the feat in 1912 in Stockholm.\n\nWith the Olympic event continuing to be contested only between amateur teams, Sir Thomas Lipton organised the [Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Sir_Thomas_Lipton_Trophy \"Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy\") tournament in [Turin](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Turin \"Turin\") in 1909. The Lipton tournament was a championship between individual clubs (not national teams) from different nations, each one of which represented an entire nation. The competition is sometimes described as *The First World Cup*,[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-6) and featured the most prestigious professional club sides from Italy, Germany and Switzerland, but the FA of England refused to be associated with the competition and declined the offer to send a professional team. Lipton invited [West Auckland](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/West_Auckland_Town_F.C. \"West Auckland Town F.C.\"), an amateur side from County Durham, to represent England instead. West Auckland won the tournament and returned in 1911 to successfully defend their title.\n\nIn 1914, FIFA agreed to recognise the Olympic tournament as a \"world football championship for amateurs\", and took responsibility for managing the event.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-7) This paved the way for the world's first intercontinental football competition, at the 1920 Summer Olympics, contested by Egypt and thirteen European teams, and won by Belgium.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-8) Uruguay won the next two Olympic football tournaments in 1924 and 1928. Those were also the first two open world championships, as 1924 was the start of FIFA's professional era.\n\n[File:Estadiocentenario.JPG](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Estadiocentenario.JPG \"File:Estadiocentenario.JPG\")\n\nEstadio Centenario, the location of the first World Cup final in 1930 in [Montevideo](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Montevideo \"Montevideo\"), Uruguay\n\nDue to the success of the Olympic football tournaments, FIFA, with President [Jules Rimet](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Jules_Rimet \"Jules Rimet\") the driving force, again started looking at staging its own international tournament outside of the Olympics. On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam decided to stage a world championship itself.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-9) With Uruguay now two-time official football world champions and to celebrate their centenary of independence in 1930, FIFA named Uruguay as the host country of the inaugural World Cup tournament.\n\nThe national associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet eventually persuaded teams from Belgium, France, Romania, and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In total thirteen nations took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America.\n\nThe first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously on 13 July 1930, and were won by France and USA, who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0 respectively. The first goal in World Cup history was scored by Lucien Laurent of France.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-10) In the final, Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in [Montevideo](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Montevideo \"Montevideo\"), and in doing so became the first nation to win the World Cup.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-origin-11)\n\n\\===World Cups before World War II===  \nAfter the creation of the World Cup, the 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, did not plan to include football as part of the schedule due to the low popularity of the sport in the United States, as American football had been growing in popularity. FIFA and the IOC also disagreed over the status of amateur players, and so football was dropped from the Games.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-12) Olympic football returned at the 1936 Summer Olympics, but was now overshadowed by the more prestigious World Cup.\n\nThe issues facing the early World Cup tournaments were the difficulties of intercontinental travel, and war. Few South American teams were willing to travel to Europe for the 1934 and 1938 tournaments, with Brazil the only South American team to compete in both. The 1942 and 1946 competitions, which Nazi Germany and [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\") sought to host,[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-13) were cancelled due to World War II and its aftermath.\n\n\\===World Cups after World War II===  \nThe 1950 World Cup, held in [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\"), was the first to include British participants. British teams withdrew from FIFA in 1920, partly out of unwillingness to play against the countries they had been at war with, and partly as a protest against foreign influence on football,[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-14) but rejoined in 1946 following FIFA's invitation.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-15) The tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions Uruguay, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups. Uruguay won the tournament again after defeating the host nation Brazil, in the match called \"Maracanazo\" (Portuguese: *Maracanaço*).\n\n[Map of countries' best results](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=World_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts.PNG \"File:World cup countries best results and hosts.PNG\")\n\nMap of countries' best results\n\nIn the tournaments between 1934 and 1978, 16 teams competed in each tournament, except in 1938, when Austria was absorbed into Germany after qualifying, leaving the tournament with 15 teams, and in 1950, when India, Scotland and Turkey withdrew, leaving the tournament with 13 teams.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-16) Most of the participating nations were from Europe and South America, with a small minority from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. These teams were usually defeated easily by the European and South American teams. Until 1982, the only teams from outside Europe and South America to advance out of the first round were: USA, semi-finalists in 1930; Cuba, quarter-finalists in 1938; Korea DPR, quarter-finalists in 1966; and Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1970.\n\n\\===Expansion to 32 teams===  \nThe tournament was expanded to 24 teams in 1982,[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-17) and then to 32 in 1998,[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-18) also allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part. Since then, teams from these regions have enjoyed more success, with several having reached the quarter-finals: Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1986; Cameroon, quarter-finalists in 1990; Korea Republic, finishing in fourth place in 2002; Senegal, along with USA, both quarter-finalists in 2002; and Ghana as quarter-finalists in 2010. Nevertheless, European and South American teams continue to dominate, e.g., the quarter-finalists in 1994, 1998 and 2006 were all from Europe or South America.\n\nTwo hundred teams entered the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds; 198 nations attempted to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, while a record 204 countries entered qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-19)\n\n\\===Other FIFA tournaments===  \nAn equivalent tournament for women's football, the FIFA Women's World Cup, was first held in 1991 in the People's Republic of China.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-20) The women's tournament is smaller in scale and profile than the men's, but is growing; the number of entrants for the 2007 tournament was 120, more than double that of 1991.\n\nFootball has been included in every Summer Olympic Games except 1896 and 1932. Unlike many other sports, the men's football tournament at the Olympics is not a top-level tournament, and since 1992, an under-23 tournament with each team allowed three over-age players.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-21) Women's football made its Olympic debut in 1996, and is contested between full national sides with no age restrictions.\n\nThe FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament held one year before the World Cup at the World Cup host nation(s) as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup champion and the host country.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-22)\n\nFIFA also organises international tournaments for youth football (FIFA U-20 World Cup, FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup), club football ([FIFA Club World Cup](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_Club_World_Cup \"FIFA Club World Cup\")), and football variants such as futsal (FIFA Futsal World Cup) and beach soccer (FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup). Since the 2010 edition, the U-20 Women's World Cup has played the same role in women's football as the Confederations Cup plays in the men's game. When the U-20 Women's World Cup is held the year before the Women's World Cup, both tournaments are awarded in a single bidding process, with the U-20 tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the larger competition.\n\n\\==Trophy==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup Trophy*\n\n[File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg \"File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg\")\n\nThe FIFA World Cup Trophy on a German stamp\n\nFrom 1930 to 1970, the *Jules Rimet Trophy* was awarded to the World Cup winner. It was originally simply known as the *World Cup* or *Coupe du Monde*, but in 1946 it was renamed after the FIFA president [Jules Rimet](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Jules_Rimet \"Jules Rimet\") who set up the first tournament. In 1970, Brazil's third victory in the tournament entitled them to keep the trophy permanently. However, the trophy was stolen in 1983, and has never been recovered, apparently melted down by the thieves.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-23)\n\nAfter 1970, a new trophy, known as the *FIFA World Cup Trophy*, was designed. The experts of FIFA, coming from seven different countries, evaluated the 53 presented models, finally opting for the work of the Italian designer Silvio Gazzaniga. The new trophy is 36 cm (14.2 in) high, made of solid 18 carat (75%) gold and weighs 6.175 kg (13.6 lb). The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite while the bottom side of the trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974. The description of the trophy by Gazzaniga was: \"The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory.\"[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-24)\n\nThis new trophy is not awarded to the winning nation permanently. World Cup winners retain the trophy until the next tournament and are awarded a gold-plated replica rather than the solid gold original.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-25)\n\nAt the present, all members (players, coaches, and managers) of the top three teams receive medals with an insignia of the World Cup Trophy; winners' (gold), runner-ups' (silver), and third-place (bronze). In the 2002 edition, fourth-place medals were awarded to hosts South Korea. Prior to the 1978 tournament, medals were only awarded to the eleven players on the pitch at the end of the final and the third-place match. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-espnheroes-26)[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-27)[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-28)\n\n## Format\\[ \\]\n\\===Qualification===\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup qualification*  \nSince the second World Cup in 1934, qualifying tournaments have been held to thin the field for the final tournament.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-29) They are held within the six FIFA continental zones ([Africa](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Confederation_of_African_Football \"Confederation of African Football\"), [Asia](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\"), [North and Central America and Caribbean](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONCACAF \"CONCACAF\"), [South America](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONMEBOL \"CONMEBOL\"), [Oceania](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Oceania_Football_Confederation \"Oceania Football Confederation\"), and [Europe](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/UEFA \"UEFA\")), overseen by their respective confederations. For each tournament, FIFA decides the number of places awarded to each of the continental zones beforehand, generally based on the relative strength of the confederations' teams.\n\nThe qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental play-offs. For example, the winner of the Oceanian zone and the fifth-placed team from the Asian zone entered a play-off for a spot in the 2010 World Cup.[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-30) From the 1938 World Cup onwards, host nations received automatic qualification to the final tournament. This right was also granted to the defending champions between 1938 and 2002, but was withdrawn from the 2006 FIFA World Cup onward, requiring the champions to qualify. Brazil, winners in 2002, were the first defending champions to play qualifying matches.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-31)\n\n\\===Final tournament===\n\n*For the various formats used in previous tournaments, see History of the FIFA World Cup\\#Format of each final tournament.*  \nThe current final tournament features 32 national teams competing over a month in the host nation(s). There are two stages: the group stage followed by the knockout stage.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32)\n\nIn the group stage, teams compete within eight groups of four teams each. Eight teams are seeded, including the hosts, with the other seeded teams selected using a formula based on the FIFA World Rankings and\/or performances in recent World Cups, and drawn to separate groups.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-33) The other teams are assigned to different \"pots\", usually based on geographical criteria, and teams in each pot are drawn at random to the eight groups. Since 1998, constraints have been applied to the draw to ensure that no group contains more than two European teams or more than one team from any other confederation.[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-34)\n\nEach group plays a round-robin tournament, in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-35) The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since 1994, three points have been awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points).\n\nThe ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-36)  \n\\# Greatest number of points in group matches  \n\\# Greatest goal difference in group matches  \n\\# Greatest number of goals scored in group matches  \n\\# If more than one team remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined as follows:  \n\\## Greatest number of points in head-to-head matches among those teams  \n\\## Greatest goal difference in head-to-head matches among those teams  \n\\## Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among those teams  \n\\# If any of the teams above remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined by the drawing of lots\n\nThe knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 16 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the third-place match (contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32)\n\n\\==Hosts==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup hosts*\n\n\\===Selection process===  \nTemplate:Wikinews  \nEarly World Cups were given to countries at meetings of FIFA's congress. The locations were controversial because South America and Europe were by far the two centres of strength in football and travel between them required three weeks by boat. The decision to hold the first World Cup in Uruguay, for example, led to only four European nations competing.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-37) The next two World Cups were both held in Europe. The decision to hold the second of these in France was disputed, as the South American countries understood that the location would alternate between the two continents. Both Argentina and Uruguay thus boycotted the 1938 FIFA World Cup.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-38)\n\nSince the 1958 FIFA World Cup, to avoid future boycotts or controversy, FIFA began a pattern of alternating the hosts between the Americas and Europe, which continued until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan, was the first one held in Asia, and the only tournament with multiple hosts.[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-39) South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup in 2010. The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, the first held in South America since 1978,[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-40) and will be the first occasion where consecutive World Cups are held outside Europe.\n\nThe host country is now chosen in a vote by FIFA's Executive Committee. This is done under an exhaustive ballot system. The national football association of a country desiring to host the event receives a \"Hosting Agreement\" from FIFA, which explains the steps and requirements that are expected from a strong bid. The bidding association also receives a form, the submission of which represents the official confirmation of the candidacy. After this, a FIFA designated group of inspectors visit the country to identify that the country meets the requirements needed to host the event and a report on the country is produced. The decision on who will host the World Cup is usually made six or seven years in advance of the tournament. However, there have been occasions where the hosts of multiple future tournaments were announced at the same time, as was the case for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.\n\nFor the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the final tournament is rotated between confederations, allowing only countries from the chosen confederation (Africa in 2010, South America in 2014) to bid to host the tournament. The rotation policy was introduced after the controversy surrounding Germany's victory over South Africa in the vote to host the 2006 tournament. However, the policy of continental rotation will not continue beyond 2014, so any country, except those belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments, can apply as hosts for World Cups starting from 2018.[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-41) This is partly to avoid a similar scenario to the bidding process for the 2014 tournament, where Brazil was the only official bidder.\n\n\\===Performances===\n\nSee also: Results of host nations in the FIFA World Cup\n\nSix of the eight champions have won one of their titles while playing in their own homeland, the exceptions being Brazil, who finished as runners-up after losing the deciding match on home soil in 1950, and Spain, which reached the second round on home soil in 1982. England (1966) and France (1998) won their only titles while playing as host nations. Uruguay (1930), Italy (1934) and Argentina (1978) won their first titles as host nations but have gone on to win again, while Germany (1974) won their second title on home soil.\n\nOther nations have also been successful when hosting the tournament. Sweden (runners-up in 1958), Chile (third place in 1962), Korea Republic (fourth place in 2002), and Mexico (quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986) all have their best results when serving as hosts. So far, South Africa (2010) was the only host nation to fail to advance beyond the first round.\n\n\\==Organisation and media coverage==\n\nSee also: List of FIFA World Cup broadcasters\n\nThe World Cup was first televised in 1954 and is now the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Olympic Games. The cumulative audience of all matches of the 2006 World Cup is estimated to be 26.29 billion.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1) 715.1 million individuals watched the final match of this tournament (a ninth of the entire population of the planet). The 2006 World Cup draw, which decided the distribution of teams into groups, was watched by 300 million viewers.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-42)\n\nEach FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own mascot or logo. *World Cup Willie*, the mascot for the 1966 competition, was the first World Cup mascot.[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-43) Recent World Cups have also featured official match balls specially designed for each World Cup.\n\n\\===Attendance===\n\nSee also: List of sports attendance figures\n\n{\\| class=\"wikitable sortable\" style=\"text-align: center;\"   \n\\|-  \n!Year & Host  \n!Total Attendance  \n!\\# Matches  \n!Avg Attendance  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Uruguay](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg \"File:Flag of Uruguay.svg\") 1930\\|\\|434,500\\|\\|18\\|\\|24,139  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\\(1861-1946\\).svg \"File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg\") 1934\\|\\|358,000\\|\\|17\\|\\|21,059  \n\\|-  \n\\|[France](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") 1938\\|\\|483,000 \\|\\|18\\|\\|26,833  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") 1950\\|\\|1,043,500\\|\\|22\\|\\|47,432  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Switzerland](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg \"File:Flag of Switzerland.svg\") 1954\\|\\| 889,500 \\|\\|26\\|\\| 34,212  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Sweden](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg \"File:Flag of Sweden.svg\") 1958\\|\\| 919,580 \\|\\|35\\|\\| 26,274  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Chile](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg \"File:Flag of Chile.svg\") 1962\\|\\| 899,074 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 28,096  \n\\|-  \n\\|[England](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg \"File:Flag of England.svg\") 1966\\|\\| 1,635,000 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 51,094  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Mexico](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") 1970\\|\\| 1,603,975 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 50,124  \n\\|-  \n\\|[West Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") 1974\\|\\| 1,774,022 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 46,685  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Argentina](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg \"File:Flag of Argentina.svg\") 1978\\|\\| 1,546,151 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 40,688  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Spain](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg \"File:Flag of Spain.svg\") 1982\\|\\| 2,109,723\\|\\|52\\|\\| 40,572  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Mexico](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") 1986\\|\\| 2,393,031 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 46,020  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg \"File:Flag of Italy.svg\") 1990\\|\\| 2,516,348 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 48,391  \n\\|-  \n\\|[United States](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg \"File:Flag of the United States.svg\") 1994\\|\\| 3,587,538 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 68,991  \n\\|-   \n\\|[France](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") 1998\\|\\| 2,785,100 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 43,517  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Japan](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg \"File:Flag of Japan.svg\")[South Korea](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg \"File:Flag of South Korea.svg\") 2002\\|\\| 2,705,197 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 42,269  \n\\|-   \n\\|[Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") 2006\\|\\| 3,359,439 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 52,491  \n\\|-  \n\\|[South Africa](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg \"File:Flag of South Africa.svg\") 2010\\|\\| 3,178,856 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 49,670  \n\\|} ==Results==\n\nSee also: List of FIFA World Cup finals\n\n{\\| class=\"wikitable\" style=\"text-align:center; width:100%\"  \n\\|-  \n!width=5%\\|Year  \n!width=10%\\|Host  \n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\|  \n!width=14%\\|Winners  \n!width=10%\\|Score  \n!width=14%\\|Runners-up  \n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\|  \n!width=14%\\|Third place  \n!width=10%\\|Score  \n!width=14%\\|Fourth place  \n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\|  \n!width=4%\\|Number of teams  \n\\|-  \n\\|1930   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg \"File:Flag of Uruguay.svg\") Uruguay  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|[\\[note 1\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-45)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|13  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1934   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\\(1861-1946\\).svg \"File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg\") [Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Italy \"Italy\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**2–1**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1938   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") France  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**4–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16\/15  \n[\\[note 2\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-46)  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1950   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|[\\[note 3\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|[\\[note 3\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16\/13  \n[\\[note 4\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-51)  \n\\|-  \n\\|1954   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Switzerland.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg \"File:Flag of Switzerland.svg\") [Switzerland](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Switzerland \"Switzerland\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1958   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg \"File:Flag of Sweden.svg\") Sweden  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**5–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**6–3**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1962   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg \"File:Flag of Chile.svg\") Chile  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1966   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg \"File:Flag of England.svg\") [England](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/England \"England\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–2**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1970   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") Mexico  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1974   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") West Germany  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1978   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg \"File:Flag of Argentina.svg\") Argentina  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–1**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1982   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg \"File:Flag of Spain.svg\") Spain  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|-  \n\\|1986   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") Mexico  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**4–2**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1990   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg \"File:Flag of Italy.svg\") [Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Italy \"Italy\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|-  \n\\|1994   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg \"File:Flag of the United States.svg\") United States  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**0–0**  \n(3–2p)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**4–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1998   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") France  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|-  \n\\|2002   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg \"File:Flag of South Korea.svg\") South Korea  \n & [File:Flag of Japan.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg \"File:Flag of Japan.svg\") [Japan](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**2–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|2006   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") [Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Germany \"Germany\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**1–1**  \n(5–3p)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|-  \n\\|2010   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of South Africa.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg \"File:Flag of South Africa.svg\") South Africa  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**1–0**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|-  \n\\|}  \n\\**aet*: after extra time  \n\\**p*: after penalty shoot-out\n\nNotes\n\n[↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-45) There was no official World Cup Third Place match in 1930; The United States and Yugoslavia lost in the semi-finals. FIFA now recognises the United States as the third-placed team and Yugoslavia as the fourth-placed team, using the overall records of the teams in the tournament.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-44)\n\n[↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-46) Austria withdrew after the draw as a result of the Anschluss with Germany: some Austrian players subsequently joined the German squad, leaving the tournament with 15 teams.\n\n↑ [3\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-0) [3\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-1) There was no official World Cup final match in 1950.[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-47) The tournament winner was decided by a final round-robin group contested by four teams (Uruguay, Brazil, Sweden, and Spain). Coincidentally, one of the last two matches of the tournament pitted the two top ranked teams against each other, with Uruguay's 2–1 victory over Brazil thus often being considered as the de facto final of the 1950 World Cup.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-48) Likewise, the game between the lowest ranked teams, played at the same time as Uruguay vs Brazil, can be considered equal to a Third Place match, with Sweden's 3–1 victory over Spain ensuring that they finished third.\n\n[↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-51) Only 13 teams played the 1950 FIFA World Cup.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-50) 16 teams entered the seeding groups draw. However, Turkey and Scotland both withdrew before the draw; France (eliminated in qualifying) was invited as a replacement, leaving the tournament to be held with 15 teams. After the draw, India and France both withdrew, so only 13 teams participated in the tournament.\n\nIn all, 76 nations have played in at least one World Cup.[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52) Of these, eight national teams have won the World Cup, and they have added stars to their badges, with each star representing a World Cup victory. (However, Uruguay are an exception to this unwritten rule; they choose to display four stars on their badge, representing their two gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics and their two World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950).\n\nWith five titles, Brazil are the most successful World Cup team and also the only nation to have played in every World Cup (19) to date,[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-53) and they will host the 20th in 2014. Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) are the only nations to have won consecutive titles. West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002) are the only nations to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Germany have made the most top-four finishes, with twelve, while sharing the record of most top-two finishes with Brazil, with seven.\n\n\\===Teams reaching the top four===\n\nSee also: FIFA World Cup comprehensive team results by tournament\n\n{\\| class=\"wikitable sortable\"  \n\\|-  \n! Team !! Titles !! Runners-up !! Third place !! Fourth place !! Total finishes in top four  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") Brazil  \n\\|5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)  \n\\|2 (1950[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1998)  \n\\|2 (1938, 1978)  \n\\|1 (1974)  \n\\|10  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg \"File:Flag of Italy.svg\") Italy  \n\\|4 (1934[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1938, 1982, 2006)  \n\\|2 (1970, 1994)  \n\\|1 (1990[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|1 (1978)  \n\\|8  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") Germany[^](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#2)  \n\\|3 (1954, 1974[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1990)  \n\\|4 (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002)  \n\\|4 (1934, 1970, 2006\\*, 2010)  \n\\|1 (1958)  \n\\|12  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg \"File:Flag of Argentina.svg\") Argentina  \n\\|2 (1978[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1986)  \n\\|2 (1930, 1990)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|4  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg \"File:Flag of Uruguay.svg\") Uruguay  \n\\|2 (1930[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1950)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|3 (1954, 1970, 2010)  \n\\|5  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") France  \n\\|1 (1998[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|1 (2006)  \n\\|2 (1958, 1986)  \n\\|1 (1982)  \n\\|5  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg \"File:Flag of England.svg\") England  \n\\|1 (1966[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1990)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg \"File:Flag of Spain.svg\") Spain  \n\\|1 (2010)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1950)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg \"File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg\") Netherlands  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|3 (1974, 1978, 2010)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1998)  \n\\|4  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Czechoslovakia.svg \"File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg\") Czechoslovakia[\\#](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#3)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1934, 1962)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Hungary.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Hungary.svg \"File:Flag of Hungary.svg\") Hungary  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1938, 1954)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg \"File:Flag of Sweden.svg\") Sweden  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1958[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|2 (1950, 1994)  \n\\|1 (1938)  \n\\|4  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Poland.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Poland.svg \"File:Flag of Poland.svg\") Poland  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1974, 1982)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Austria.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Austria.svg \"File:Flag of Austria.svg\") Austria  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1954)  \n\\|1 (1934)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Portugal.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Portugal.svg \"File:Flag of Portugal.svg\") Portugal  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1966)  \n\\|1 (2006)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg \"File:Flag of the United States.svg\") United States  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1930)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg \"File:Flag of Chile.svg\") Chile  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1962[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Croatia.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Croatia.svg \"File:Flag of Croatia.svg\") Croatia  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1998)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Turkey.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Turkey.svg \"File:Flag of Turkey.svg\") Turkey  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (2002)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_SFR_Yugoslavia.svg \"File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg\") Yugoslavia[\\#](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#3)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1930, 1962)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union.svg \"File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg\") Soviet Union[\\#](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#3)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1966)  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Belgium_\\(civil\\).svg \"File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg\") Belgium  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1986)  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Bulgaria.svg \"File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg\") Bulgaria  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1994)  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg \"File:Flag of South Korea.svg\") South Korea  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (2002[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|1  \n\\|}  \n:\n\n*\\* = hosts*  \n:\n\n*^ = includes results representing West Germany between 1954 and 1990*\n\n:\n\n*\\# = states that have since split into two or more independent nations*[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52)\n\n\\===Best performances by continental zones===\n\nSee also: FIFA World Cup results by confederation\n\nTo date, the final of the World Cup has only been contested by [European](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/UEFA \"UEFA\") and [South American](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONMEBOL \"CONMEBOL\") teams. European nations have won ten titles; South American teams have won nine. Only two teams from outside these two continents have ever reached the semi-finals of the competition: USA ([North, Central America and Caribbean](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONCACAF \"CONCACAF\")) in 1930 and Korea Republic ([Asia](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\")) who reached the semis in 2002. The best result of an [African](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Confederation_of_African_Football \"Confederation of African Football\") team is reaching the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Only one [Oceanian](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Oceania_Football_Confederation \"Oceania Football Confederation\") qualifier, Australia in 2006, has advanced to the second round.[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-54)\n\nBrazil, Argentina, and Spain are the only teams to win a World Cup outside their continental confederation; Brazil came out victorious in [Europe](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/UEFA \"UEFA\") (1958), [North America](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONCACAF \"CONCACAF\") (1970 and 1994) and [Asia](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\") (2002), Argentina won a North American World Cup in 1986, while Spain won the only African World Cup in 2010. Only on three occasions have consecutive World Cups been won by teams from the same continent – Italy and Brazil successfully defended their titles in 1938 and 1962 respectively, while Spain's 2010 triumph followed Italy's in 2006.\n\n\\==Awards==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup awards*  \nAt the end of each World Cup, awards are presented to the players and teams for accomplishments other than their final team positions in the tournament. There are currently six awards:[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-55)  \n\\*The *Golden Ball* for the best player, determined by a vote of media members (first awarded in 1982); the *Silver Ball* and the *Bronze Ball* are awarded to the players finishing second and third in the voting respectively;[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-56)  \n\\*The *Golden Boot* (sometimes called the *Golden Shoe*) for the top goalscorer (first awarded in 1982, but retrospectively applied to all tournaments from 1930); most recently, the *Silver Boot* and the *Bronze Boot* have been awarded to the second and third top goalscorers respectively;[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-57)  \n\\*The *Golden Glove Award* (formerly the *Yashin Award*) for the best goalkeeper, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 1994);[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-58)  \n\\*The *Best Young Player Award* for the best player aged 21 or younger at the start of the calendar year, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 2006).[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-RSSSF_FIFA_awards-59)  \n\\*The *FIFA Fair Play Trophy* for the team with the best record of fair play, according to the points system and criteria established by the FIFA Fair Play Committee (first awarded in 1978);[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-RSSSF_FIFA_awards-59)  \n\\*The *Most Entertaining Team* for the team that has entertained the public the most during the World Cup, determined by a poll of the general public (first awarded in 1994);[\\[55\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-RSSSF_FIFA_awards-59)  \nAn *All-Star Team* consisting of the best players of the tournament has also been announced for each tournament since 1998.\n\n\\==Records and statistics==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup records*  \nTwo players share the record for playing in the most World Cups; Mexico's Antonio Carbajal (1950–1966) and Germany's Lothar Matthäus (1982–1998) both played in five tournaments.[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-60) Matthäus has played the most World Cup matches overall, with 25 appearances.[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-61) West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer (1966–1974) is the only player to be named to three Finals All-Star Teams.\n\nIn November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-62) This made Brazil's [Pelé](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Pel%C3%A9 \"Pelé\") the only player to have won three World Cup winners' medals (1958, 1962, and 1970, although he did not play in the 1962 final due to injury),[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-63) with 20 other players who have won two winners' medals. Six players have collected all three types of World Cup medals (winners', runner- ups', and third-place); five players were from West Germany's squad of 1966–1974 including Franz Beckenbauer, and the most recent has been Italy's Franco Baresi (1982, 1990, 1994).\n\nThe overall top goalscorer in World Cups is Brazil's Ronaldo, scorer of 15 goals (1998–2006). Germany's Miroslav Klose (2002–2010) and West Germany's Gerd Müller (1970–1974) are second, with 14 goals.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-64) The fourth placed goalscorer, France's Just Fontaine, holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup; all his 13 goals were scored in the 1958 tournament.[\\[61\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-65)\n\nBrazil's Mário Zagallo and West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer are the only people to date to win the World Cup as both player and head coach. Zagallo won in 1958 and 1962 as a player and in 1970 as head coach.[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-66) Beckenbauer won in 1974 as captain and in 1990 as head coach.[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-67) Italy's Vittorio Pozzo is the only head coach to ever win two World Cups (1934 and 1938).[\\[64\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-68) All World Cup winning head coaches were natives of the country they coached to victory.\n\nAmong the national teams, Germany have played the most World Cup matches, with 99,[\\[65\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-69) while Brazil have scored the most World Cup goals, with 210.[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-70) The two teams have played each other only once in the World Cup, in the 2002 final.\n\nSee also: All-time table of the Football World Cup\n\n\\==See also==\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [Book icon](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Office-book.svg \"File:Office-book.svg\") | Book: FIFA World Cup |\n| Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print. |   |\n\n\\* National team appearances in the FIFA World Cup  \n\\* FIFA Women's World Cup  \n\\* List of other competitions named World Cup  \n\\* 1980 Mundialito, a tournament held in Uruguay to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the World Cup  \n\\* FIFA World Cup All-Time Team  \n\\* FIFA World Cup Dream Team  \n\\* FIFA World Cup official songs ==Notes and references==\n\n1. ↑ [1\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-0) [1\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-1) [\"2006 FIFA World Cup broadcast wider, longer and farther than ever before\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/organisation\/marketing\/news\/newsid=111247\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. [Fédération Internationale de Football Association](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA \"FIFA\"). <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/organisation\/marketing\/news\/newsid=111247\/index.html>. Retrieved 11 October 2009.\n2. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2) [\"England National Football Team Match No. 1\"](http:\/\/www.englandfootballonline.com\/Seas1872-00\/1872-73\/M0001Sco1872.html). England Football Online. <http:\/\/www.englandfootballonline.com\/Seas1872-00\/1872-73\/M0001Sco1872.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n3. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-3) [\"British PM backs return of Home Nations championship\"](http:\/\/www.soccerway.com\/news\/2007\/November\/22\/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship). Agence France-Presse. <http:\/\/www.soccerway.com\/news\/2007\/November\/22\/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship>. Retrieved 16 December 2007.\n4. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-4) Elbech, Søren; Stokkermans, Karel (26 June 2008). [\"Intermediate Games of the IV. Olympiad\"](http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1906f.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1906f.html>.\n5. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-5) [\"History of FIFA – FIFA takes shape\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa2.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa2.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n6. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-6) [\"'The First World Cup'. The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20031129221811\/http:\/\/www.shrewsbury.gov.uk\/Public\/news\/thomaslipton.htm). Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council. 10 October 2003. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.shrewsbury.gov.uk\/Public\/news\/thomaslipton.htm) on 29 November 2003. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20031129221811\/http:\/\/www.shrewsbury.gov.uk\/Public\/news\/thomaslipton.htm>. Retrieved 11 April 2006.\n7. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-7) [\"History of FIFA – More associations follow\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa3.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa3.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n8. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-8) Reyes, Macario (18 October 1999). [\"VII. Olympiad Antwerp 1920 Football Tournament\"](http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1920f-det.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1920f-det.html>. Retrieved 10 June 2006.\n9. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-9) [\"History of FIFA – The first FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa4.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 19 November 2007. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa4.html>.\n10. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-10) Molinaro, John F. [\"Lucien Laurent: The World Cup's First Goal Scorer\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/laurent_lucien.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/laurent_lucien.html>. Retrieved 6 May 2007.\n11. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-origin_11-0) [\"FIFA World Cup Origin\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n12. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-12) [\"The Olympic Odyssey so far... (Part 1: 1908–1964)\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/tournaments\/archive\/tournament=512\/edition=8229\/news\/newsid=92851.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/tournaments\/archive\/tournament=512\/edition=8229\/news\/newsid=92851.html>. Retrieved 8 January 2008.\n13. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-13) [\"Los datos más curiosos de la Fiesta del Fútbol - Brasil 1950 \\[The most curious of the Festival of Football - Brazil 1950\\]\"](http:\/\/www.cristal.com.pe\/articulo\/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950) (in Spanish). *cristal.com*. <http:\/\/www.cristal.com.pe\/articulo\/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950>. Retrieved 17 April 2012.\n14. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-14) [\"Scotland and the 1950 World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/scotland\/sportscotland\/asportingnation\/article\/0001\/index.shtml). BBC. <http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/scotland\/sportscotland\/asportingnation\/article\/0001\/index.shtml>. Retrieved 13 May 2007.\n15. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-15) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville)\n16. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-16) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p45\n17. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-17) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p238\n18. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-18) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p359\n19. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-19) [\"Record number of 204 teams enter preliminary competition\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071117123621\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/organisation\/media\/newsid=122766.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/organisation\/media\/newsid=122766.html#record+number+teams+enter+preliminary+competition) on 17 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071117123621\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/organisation\/media\/newsid=122766.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n20. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-20) [\"FIFA Women's World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/womenworldcup\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/womenworldcup\/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007.\n21. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-21) [\"Regulations Men's Olympic Football Tournament 2008\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf>. Retrieved 22 December 2007.\n22. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-22) [\"FIFA Confederations Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/confederationcup\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/confederationcup\/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007.\n23. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-23) [\"Jules Rimet Trophy\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/julesrimettrophy.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/julesrimettrophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n24. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-24) [\"FIFA World Cup Trophy\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/trophies.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/trophies.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n25. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-25) [\"FIFA Assets – Trophy\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104165903\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/trophy.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/trophy.html) on 4 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104165903\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/trophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n26. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-espnheroes_26-0) [\"122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716). *ESPNSoccernet.com* (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716>.\n27. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-27) [\"World Cup 1966 winners honoured\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport2\/hi\/football\/8093891.stm). BBC Sport. 10 June 2009. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport2\/hi\/football\/8093891.stm>.\n28. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-28) [\"Jimmy Greaves finally gets his 1966 World Cup medal\"](http:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/top-stories\/2009\/06\/11\/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367\/). *Mirror.co.uk* (MGN). <http:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/top-stories\/2009\/06\/11\/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367\/>.\n29. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-29) [\"FIFA World Cup qualifying: Treasure-trove of the weird and wonderful\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/preliminarydraw\/news\/newsid=576440.html). *FIFA*. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/preliminarydraw\/news\/newsid=576440.html>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n30. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-30) [\"2010 World Cup Qualifying\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=). *ESPNSoccernet.com* (ESPN). 26 November 2009. <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=>. Retrieved 23 December 2009.\n31. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-31) [\"History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/51\/97\/75\/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/51\/97\/75\/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf>.\n32. ↑ [32\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-0) [32\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-1) [\"Formats of the FIFA World Cup final competitions 1930–2010\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf>. Retrieved 1 January 2008.\n33. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-33) [\"FIFA World Cup: seeded teams 1930–2010\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/82\/40\/89\/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/82\/40\/89\/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf>.\n34. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-34) Previously, due to there being fewer finals places and a bigger ratio of European finalists, there had been several occasions where three European teams were in a single group, for example, 1986 (West Germany, Scotland, and Denmark), 1990 (Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Austria), and 1994 (Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Norway). ([\"History of the World Cup Final Draw\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf>.)\n35. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-35) This practice has been installed since the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In some cases during previous tournaments, for example, Argentina 6–0 Peru in Argentina 1978 and West Germany 1–0 Austria in Spain 1982, teams that played the latter match were perceived to gain an unfair advantage by knowing the score of the earlier match, and subsequently obtaining a result that ensured advancement to the next stage. ([\"1978 Argentina\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1978.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1978.html>.; [\"1982 Spain\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1982.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1982.html>.)\n36. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-36) [\"Regulations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. p. 41. [http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/fifa%5fwc%5fsouth%5fafrica%5f2010%5fregulations%5fen%5f14123.pdf](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf). Retrieved 21 June 2010.\n37. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-37) [\"Uruguay 1930\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632201.stm). BBC Sport. 11 April 2002. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632201.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006.\n38. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-38) [\"France 1938\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632206.stm). BBC Sport. 17 April 2002. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632206.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006.\n39. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-39) [\"Asia takes World Cup center stage\"](http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/news\/2002\/06\/03\/au_asia_rb\/). CNN. 3 June 2002. <http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/news\/2002\/06\/03\/au_asia_rb\/>. Retrieved 1 January 2008.\n40. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-40) [\"Brazil will stage 2014 World Cup\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/internationals\/7068848.stm). BBC Sport. 10 October 2007. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/internationals\/7068848.stm>. Retrieved 1 January 2008.\n41. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-41) [\"Rotation ends in 2018\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071101002817\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/federation\/administration\/releases\/newsid=625122.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/federation\/administration\/releases\/newsid=625122.html#rotation+ends+2018) on 1 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071101002817\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/federation\/administration\/releases\/newsid=625122.html>. Retrieved 10 October 2007.\n42. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-42) [\"Socceroos face major challenge: Hiddink\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060430001531\/http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/sport\/content\/200512\/s1528128.htm). ABC Sport. 10 December 2005. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/sport\/content\/200512\/s1528128.htm) on 30 April 2006. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060430001531\/http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/sport\/content\/200512\/s1528128.htm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006.\n43. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-43) [\"FIFA Assets – Mascots\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104232128\/http:\/\/fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/mascots.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/mascots.html) on 4 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104232128\/http:\/\/fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/mascots.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n44. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-44) [\"1930 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=1\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=1\/index.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n45. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-47) [\"1950 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/overview.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/overview.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n46. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-48) [\"FIFA World Cup Finals since 1930\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n47. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-50) [\"1950 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/teams\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/teams\/index.html>. Retrieved 15 August 2011.\n48. ↑ [48\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-0) [48\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-1) FIFA considers that the national team of Russia succeeds the USSR, the national team of Serbia succeeds the Yugoslavia\/Serbia and Montenegro, and the national team of Czech Republic succeeds the Czechoslovakia. ([\"Russia\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=rus\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=rus\/index.html>.; [\"Serbia\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=srb\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=srb\/index.html>.; [\"Czech Republic\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=cze\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=cze\/index.html>.).\n49. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-53) [\"Brazil\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=bra\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=bra\/index.html>.\n50. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-54) Australia's qualification in 2006 was through the Oceanian zone as they were a member of the [OFC](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Oceania_Football_Confederation \"Oceania Football Confederation\") member during qualifying. However, on 1 January 2006, they left the Oceania Football Confederation and joined the [Asian Football Confederation](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\").\n51. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-55) [\"FIFA World Cup awards\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n52. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-56) \"Template:Citation error\". *Soccerway*. 10 July 2006.\n53. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-57) [\"adidas Golden Shoe – FIFA World Cup Final\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/awards\/golden\/award=gsa\/idcup=17\/pastcupawards.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/awards\/golden\/award=gsa\/idcup=17\/pastcupawards.html>. Retrieved 4 March 2009.\n54. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-58) \"Template:Citation error\". BBC Sport. 30 June 2002.\n55. ↑ [55\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-RSSSF_FIFA_awards_59-0) [55\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-RSSSF_FIFA_awards_59-1) [55\\.2](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-RSSSF_FIFA_awards_59-2) Pierrend, José Luis (18 May 2007). [\"FIFA Awards\"](http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/miscellaneous\/fifa-awards.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/miscellaneous\/fifa-awards.html>. Retrieved 8 January 2008.\n56. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-60) Yannis, Alex (10 November 1999). *New York Times*.\n57. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-61) [\"World Cup Hall of Fame: Lothar Matthaeus\"](http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/hof\/matthaeus\/). CNN. <http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/hof\/matthaeus\/>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n58. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-62) ([\"122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716). *ESPNSoccernet.com,* (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716>.)\n59. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-63) Kirby, Gentry (5 July 2006). ESPN.\n60. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-64) Chowdhury, Saj (27 June 2006). [\"Ronaldo's riposte\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/world_cup_2006\/teams\/brazil\/5112982.stm). BBC Sport. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/world_cup_2006\/teams\/brazil\/5112982.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n61. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-65) [\"Goal machine was Just superb\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/team_pages\/france\/newsid_1752000\/1752740.stm). BBC Sport. 4 April 2002. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/team_pages\/france\/newsid_1752000\/1752740.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n62. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-66) Hughes, Rob (11 March 1998). [\"No Alternative to Victory for National Coach : 150 Million Brazilians Keep Heat on Zagalo\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080226063509\/http:\/\/www.iht.com\/articles\/1998\/03\/11\/soccer.t_7.php). *International Herald Tribune*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.iht.com\/articles\/1998\/03\/11\/soccer.t_7.php) on 26 February 2008. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080226063509\/http:\/\/www.iht.com\/articles\/1998\/03\/11\/soccer.t_7.php>. Retrieved 31 December 2007.\n63. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-67) Brewin, John (21 December 2007). [\"World Cup Legends – Franz Beckenbauer\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/archive\/worldcup\/editorial\/legends_beckenbauer.html). *ESPNSoccernet.com* (ESPN). <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/archive\/worldcup\/editorial\/legends_beckenbauer.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007.\n64. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-68) [\"1938 France\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1938.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1938.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007.\n65. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-69) [\"Germany move ahead of Brazil\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100709063123\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/news\/newsid=1269182\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/news\/newsid=1269182\/index.html) on 9 July 2010. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100709063123\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/news\/newsid=1269182\/index.html>?. Retrieved 6 July 2010.\n66. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-70) [\"Planet World Cup – All time table\"](http:\/\/www.planetworldcup.com\/NATIONS\/maraton.html). Planet World Cup. <http:\/\/www.planetworldcup.com\/NATIONS\/maraton.html>. Retrieved 26 January 2008.\n\n\\==Bibliography==\n\nGlanville, Brian (2005). *The Story of the World Cup*. Faber. p. 44. ISBN [0-571-22944-1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-571-22944-1 \"Special:BookSources\/0-571-22944-1\").\n\n\\==External links==\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| [File:Commons-logo.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Commons-logo.svg \"File:Commons-logo.svg\") | Wikimedia Commons has media related to: ***[FIFA World Cup](https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/Category:FIFA_World_Cup \"commons:Category:FIFA World Cup\")*** |\n\n\\* [FIFA World Cup official site](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/index.html)  \n\\* [Previous FIFA World Cups](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/index.html)\n\nTemplate:FIFA World Cup winners  \nTemplate:FIFA World Cup\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |\n\nCategories\n\n- [Categories](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Categories \"Special:Categories\"):\n- [Pages using duplicate arguments in template calls](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Category:Pages_using_duplicate_arguments_in_template_calls \"Category:Pages using duplicate arguments in template calls\")\n\nCommunity content is available under [CC-BY-SA](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/licensing) unless otherwise noted.\n\nAdvertisement\n\n## [![Fandom logo](https:\/\/static.wikia.nocookie.net\/6a181c72-e8bf-419b-b4db-18fd56a0eb60)](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/ \"Fandom logo\")\n### Explore properties\n- [Fandom](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/)\n- [Fanatical](https:\/\/www.fanatical.com\/)\n- [GameSpot](https:\/\/www.gamespot.com\/)\n- [Metacritic](https:\/\/www.metacritic.com\/)\n- [TV Guide](https:\/\/www.tvguide.com\/)\n- [Honest Entertainment](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/screenjunkies)\n### Follow Us\n\n### Overview\n- [What is Fandom?](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/what-is-fandom)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/about)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/careers)\n- [Press](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/press)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/about#contact)\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/terms-of-use)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/privacy-policy)\n- [Digital Services Act](https:\/\/www.fandom.com\/digital-services-act)\n- [Global Sitemap](https:\/\/community.fandom.com\/Sitemap)\n- [Local Sitemap](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Local_Sitemap)\n\n### Community\n- [Community Central](https:\/\/community.fandom.com\/wiki\/Community_Central)\n- [Support](https:\/\/fandom.zendesk.com\/)\n- [Help](https:\/\/community.fandom.com\/wiki\/Help:Contents)\n\n### Advertise\n- [Media Kit](https:\/\/about.fandom.com\/mediakit)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/about.fandom.com\/mediakit#contact)\n\n### Fandom Apps\nTake your favorite fandoms with you and never miss a beat.\n\n![Fandom App logo](https:\/\/static.wikia.nocookie.net\/6c42ce6a-b205-41f5-82c6-5011721932e7)\n\n- [![Store icon](https:\/\/static.wikia.nocookie.net\/3f46912f-45a8-47f0-ac9d-6dca02c3a5ca)](https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/fandom-videos-news-reviews\/id1230063803)\n- [![Store icon](https:\/\/static.wikia.nocookie.net\/6e8f2e52-ab5a-427f-a836-ab57168161ec)](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.fandom.app&referrer=utm_source%3Dwikia%26utm_medium%3Dglobalfooter)\n\nBig Soccer Wiki is a Fandom Lifestyle Community.\n\nView Mobile Site","attrs_readable_markdown":"|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| Most successful team(s) | [File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") Brazil (5 titles) |\n\nThe **FIFA World Cup**, often simply the **World Cup**, is an international [association football](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Association_football \"Association football\") competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of *Fédération Internationale de Football Association* ([FIFA](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA \"FIFA\")), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War. The current champions are Spain, who won the 2010 tournament.\n\nThe current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month; this phase is often called the *World Cup Finals*. A qualification phase, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s).\n\nThe 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams. Brazil have won five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are Italy, with four titles; Germany, with three titles; Argentina and inaugural winners Uruguay, with two titles each; and England, France, and Spain, with one title each.\n\nThe World Cup is the world's most widely viewed sporting event; an estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in [Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Germany \"Germany\").[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1)\n\nThe next three World Cups will be hosted by [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\") in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.\n\n\\==History==\n\n*Main article: History of the FIFA World Cup*\n\n\\===Previous international competitions===  \nThe world's first international football match was a challenge match played in Glasgow in 1872 between Scotland and England,[\\[2\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2) which ended in a 0–0 draw. The first international tournament, the inaugural edition of the British Home Championship, took place in 1884.[\\[3\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-3) As football grew in popularity in other parts of the world at the turn of the 20th century, it was held as a demonstration sport with no medals awarded at the 1900 and 1904 Summer Olympics (however, the IOC has retroactively upgraded their status to official events), and at the 1906 Intercalated Games.[\\[4\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-4)\n\nAfter [FIFA](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA \"FIFA\") was founded in 1904, it tried to arrange an international football tournament between nations outside the Olympic framework in Switzerland in 1906. These were very early days for international football, and the official history of FIFA describes the competition as having been a failure.[\\[5\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-5)\n\nAt the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, football became an official competition. Planned by The Football Association (FA), England's football governing body, the event was for amateur players only and was regarded suspiciously as a show rather than a competition. Great Britain (represented by the England national amateur football team) won the gold medals. They repeated the feat in 1912 in Stockholm.\n\nWith the Olympic event continuing to be contested only between amateur teams, Sir Thomas Lipton organised the [Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Sir_Thomas_Lipton_Trophy \"Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy\") tournament in [Turin](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Turin \"Turin\") in 1909. The Lipton tournament was a championship between individual clubs (not national teams) from different nations, each one of which represented an entire nation. The competition is sometimes described as *The First World Cup*,[\\[6\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-6) and featured the most prestigious professional club sides from Italy, Germany and Switzerland, but the FA of England refused to be associated with the competition and declined the offer to send a professional team. Lipton invited [West Auckland](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/West_Auckland_Town_F.C. \"West Auckland Town F.C.\"), an amateur side from County Durham, to represent England instead. West Auckland won the tournament and returned in 1911 to successfully defend their title.\n\nIn 1914, FIFA agreed to recognise the Olympic tournament as a \"world football championship for amateurs\", and took responsibility for managing the event.[\\[7\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-7) This paved the way for the world's first intercontinental football competition, at the 1920 Summer Olympics, contested by Egypt and thirteen European teams, and won by Belgium.[\\[8\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-8) Uruguay won the next two Olympic football tournaments in 1924 and 1928. Those were also the first two open world championships, as 1924 was the start of FIFA's professional era.\n\n[File:Estadiocentenario.JPG](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Estadiocentenario.JPG \"File:Estadiocentenario.JPG\")\n\nEstadio Centenario, the location of the first World Cup final in 1930 in [Montevideo](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Montevideo \"Montevideo\"), Uruguay\n\nDue to the success of the Olympic football tournaments, FIFA, with President [Jules Rimet](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Jules_Rimet \"Jules Rimet\") the driving force, again started looking at staging its own international tournament outside of the Olympics. On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam decided to stage a world championship itself.[\\[9\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-9) With Uruguay now two-time official football world champions and to celebrate their centenary of independence in 1930, FIFA named Uruguay as the host country of the inaugural World Cup tournament.\n\nThe national associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet eventually persuaded teams from Belgium, France, Romania, and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In total thirteen nations took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America.\n\nThe first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously on 13 July 1930, and were won by France and USA, who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0 respectively. The first goal in World Cup history was scored by Lucien Laurent of France.[\\[10\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-10) In the final, Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in [Montevideo](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Montevideo \"Montevideo\"), and in doing so became the first nation to win the World Cup.[\\[11\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-origin-11)\n\n\\===World Cups before World War II===  \nAfter the creation of the World Cup, the 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, did not plan to include football as part of the schedule due to the low popularity of the sport in the United States, as American football had been growing in popularity. FIFA and the IOC also disagreed over the status of amateur players, and so football was dropped from the Games.[\\[12\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-12) Olympic football returned at the 1936 Summer Olympics, but was now overshadowed by the more prestigious World Cup.\n\nThe issues facing the early World Cup tournaments were the difficulties of intercontinental travel, and war. Few South American teams were willing to travel to Europe for the 1934 and 1938 tournaments, with Brazil the only South American team to compete in both. The 1942 and 1946 competitions, which Nazi Germany and [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\") sought to host,[\\[13\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-13) were cancelled due to World War II and its aftermath.\n\n\\===World Cups after World War II===  \nThe 1950 World Cup, held in [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\"), was the first to include British participants. British teams withdrew from FIFA in 1920, partly out of unwillingness to play against the countries they had been at war with, and partly as a protest against foreign influence on football,[\\[14\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-14) but rejoined in 1946 following FIFA's invitation.[\\[15\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-15) The tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions Uruguay, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups. Uruguay won the tournament again after defeating the host nation Brazil, in the match called \"Maracanazo\" (Portuguese: *Maracanaço*).\n\n[Map of countries' best results](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=World_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts.PNG \"File:World cup countries best results and hosts.PNG\")\n\nMap of countries' best results\n\nIn the tournaments between 1934 and 1978, 16 teams competed in each tournament, except in 1938, when Austria was absorbed into Germany after qualifying, leaving the tournament with 15 teams, and in 1950, when India, Scotland and Turkey withdrew, leaving the tournament with 13 teams.[\\[16\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-16) Most of the participating nations were from Europe and South America, with a small minority from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. These teams were usually defeated easily by the European and South American teams. Until 1982, the only teams from outside Europe and South America to advance out of the first round were: USA, semi-finalists in 1930; Cuba, quarter-finalists in 1938; Korea DPR, quarter-finalists in 1966; and Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1970.\n\n\\===Expansion to 32 teams===  \nThe tournament was expanded to 24 teams in 1982,[\\[17\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-17) and then to 32 in 1998,[\\[18\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-18) also allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part. Since then, teams from these regions have enjoyed more success, with several having reached the quarter-finals: Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1986; Cameroon, quarter-finalists in 1990; Korea Republic, finishing in fourth place in 2002; Senegal, along with USA, both quarter-finalists in 2002; and Ghana as quarter-finalists in 2010. Nevertheless, European and South American teams continue to dominate, e.g., the quarter-finalists in 1994, 1998 and 2006 were all from Europe or South America.\n\nTwo hundred teams entered the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds; 198 nations attempted to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, while a record 204 countries entered qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[\\[19\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-19)\n\n\\===Other FIFA tournaments===  \nAn equivalent tournament for women's football, the FIFA Women's World Cup, was first held in 1991 in the People's Republic of China.[\\[20\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-20) The women's tournament is smaller in scale and profile than the men's, but is growing; the number of entrants for the 2007 tournament was 120, more than double that of 1991.\n\nFootball has been included in every Summer Olympic Games except 1896 and 1932. Unlike many other sports, the men's football tournament at the Olympics is not a top-level tournament, and since 1992, an under-23 tournament with each team allowed three over-age players.[\\[21\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-21) Women's football made its Olympic debut in 1996, and is contested between full national sides with no age restrictions.\n\nThe FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament held one year before the World Cup at the World Cup host nation(s) as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup champion and the host country.[\\[22\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-22)\n\nFIFA also organises international tournaments for youth football (FIFA U-20 World Cup, FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup), club football ([FIFA Club World Cup](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_Club_World_Cup \"FIFA Club World Cup\")), and football variants such as futsal (FIFA Futsal World Cup) and beach soccer (FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup). Since the 2010 edition, the U-20 Women's World Cup has played the same role in women's football as the Confederations Cup plays in the men's game. When the U-20 Women's World Cup is held the year before the Women's World Cup, both tournaments are awarded in a single bidding process, with the U-20 tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the larger competition.\n\n\\==Trophy==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup Trophy*\n\n[File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg \"File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg\")\n\nThe FIFA World Cup Trophy on a German stamp\n\nFrom 1930 to 1970, the *Jules Rimet Trophy* was awarded to the World Cup winner. It was originally simply known as the *World Cup* or *Coupe du Monde*, but in 1946 it was renamed after the FIFA president [Jules Rimet](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Jules_Rimet \"Jules Rimet\") who set up the first tournament. In 1970, Brazil's third victory in the tournament entitled them to keep the trophy permanently. However, the trophy was stolen in 1983, and has never been recovered, apparently melted down by the thieves.[\\[23\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-23)\n\nAfter 1970, a new trophy, known as the *FIFA World Cup Trophy*, was designed. The experts of FIFA, coming from seven different countries, evaluated the 53 presented models, finally opting for the work of the Italian designer Silvio Gazzaniga. The new trophy is 36 cm (14.2 in) high, made of solid 18 carat (75%) gold and weighs 6.175 kg (13.6 lb). The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite while the bottom side of the trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974. The description of the trophy by Gazzaniga was: \"The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory.\"[\\[24\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-24)\n\nThis new trophy is not awarded to the winning nation permanently. World Cup winners retain the trophy until the next tournament and are awarded a gold-plated replica rather than the solid gold original.[\\[25\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-25)\n\nAt the present, all members (players, coaches, and managers) of the top three teams receive medals with an insignia of the World Cup Trophy; winners' (gold), runner-ups' (silver), and third-place (bronze). In the 2002 edition, fourth-place medals were awarded to hosts South Korea. Prior to the 1978 tournament, medals were only awarded to the eleven players on the pitch at the end of the final and the third-place match. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\\[26\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-espnheroes-26)[\\[27\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-27)[\\[28\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-28)\n\n## Format\\[\\]\n\\===Qualification===\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup qualification*  \nSince the second World Cup in 1934, qualifying tournaments have been held to thin the field for the final tournament.[\\[29\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-29) They are held within the six FIFA continental zones ([Africa](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Confederation_of_African_Football \"Confederation of African Football\"), [Asia](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\"), [North and Central America and Caribbean](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONCACAF \"CONCACAF\"), [South America](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONMEBOL \"CONMEBOL\"), [Oceania](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Oceania_Football_Confederation \"Oceania Football Confederation\"), and [Europe](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/UEFA \"UEFA\")), overseen by their respective confederations. For each tournament, FIFA decides the number of places awarded to each of the continental zones beforehand, generally based on the relative strength of the confederations' teams.\n\nThe qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental play-offs. For example, the winner of the Oceanian zone and the fifth-placed team from the Asian zone entered a play-off for a spot in the 2010 World Cup.[\\[30\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-30) From the 1938 World Cup onwards, host nations received automatic qualification to the final tournament. This right was also granted to the defending champions between 1938 and 2002, but was withdrawn from the 2006 FIFA World Cup onward, requiring the champions to qualify. Brazil, winners in 2002, were the first defending champions to play qualifying matches.[\\[31\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-31)\n\n\\===Final tournament===\n\n*For the various formats used in previous tournaments, see History of the FIFA World Cup\\#Format of each final tournament.*  \nThe current final tournament features 32 national teams competing over a month in the host nation(s). There are two stages: the group stage followed by the knockout stage.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32)\n\nIn the group stage, teams compete within eight groups of four teams each. Eight teams are seeded, including the hosts, with the other seeded teams selected using a formula based on the FIFA World Rankings and\/or performances in recent World Cups, and drawn to separate groups.[\\[33\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-33) The other teams are assigned to different \"pots\", usually based on geographical criteria, and teams in each pot are drawn at random to the eight groups. Since 1998, constraints have been applied to the draw to ensure that no group contains more than two European teams or more than one team from any other confederation.[\\[34\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-34)\n\nEach group plays a round-robin tournament, in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams.[\\[35\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-35) The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since 1994, three points have been awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points).\n\nThe ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:[\\[36\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-36)  \n\\# Greatest number of points in group matches  \n\\# Greatest goal difference in group matches  \n\\# Greatest number of goals scored in group matches  \n\\# If more than one team remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined as follows:  \n\\## Greatest number of points in head-to-head matches among those teams  \n\\## Greatest goal difference in head-to-head matches among those teams  \n\\## Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among those teams  \n\\# If any of the teams above remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined by the drawing of lots\n\nThe knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 16 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the third-place match (contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final.[\\[32\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32)\n\n\\==Hosts==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup hosts*\n\n\\===Selection process===  \nTemplate:Wikinews  \nEarly World Cups were given to countries at meetings of FIFA's congress. The locations were controversial because South America and Europe were by far the two centres of strength in football and travel between them required three weeks by boat. The decision to hold the first World Cup in Uruguay, for example, led to only four European nations competing.[\\[37\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-37) The next two World Cups were both held in Europe. The decision to hold the second of these in France was disputed, as the South American countries understood that the location would alternate between the two continents. Both Argentina and Uruguay thus boycotted the 1938 FIFA World Cup.[\\[38\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-38)\n\nSince the 1958 FIFA World Cup, to avoid future boycotts or controversy, FIFA began a pattern of alternating the hosts between the Americas and Europe, which continued until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan, was the first one held in Asia, and the only tournament with multiple hosts.[\\[39\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-39) South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup in 2010. The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, the first held in South America since 1978,[\\[40\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-40) and will be the first occasion where consecutive World Cups are held outside Europe.\n\nThe host country is now chosen in a vote by FIFA's Executive Committee. This is done under an exhaustive ballot system. The national football association of a country desiring to host the event receives a \"Hosting Agreement\" from FIFA, which explains the steps and requirements that are expected from a strong bid. The bidding association also receives a form, the submission of which represents the official confirmation of the candidacy. After this, a FIFA designated group of inspectors visit the country to identify that the country meets the requirements needed to host the event and a report on the country is produced. The decision on who will host the World Cup is usually made six or seven years in advance of the tournament. However, there have been occasions where the hosts of multiple future tournaments were announced at the same time, as was the case for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.\n\nFor the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the final tournament is rotated between confederations, allowing only countries from the chosen confederation (Africa in 2010, South America in 2014) to bid to host the tournament. The rotation policy was introduced after the controversy surrounding Germany's victory over South Africa in the vote to host the 2006 tournament. However, the policy of continental rotation will not continue beyond 2014, so any country, except those belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments, can apply as hosts for World Cups starting from 2018.[\\[41\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-41) This is partly to avoid a similar scenario to the bidding process for the 2014 tournament, where Brazil was the only official bidder.\n\n\\===Performances===\n\nSee also: Results of host nations in the FIFA World Cup\n\nSix of the eight champions have won one of their titles while playing in their own homeland, the exceptions being Brazil, who finished as runners-up after losing the deciding match on home soil in 1950, and Spain, which reached the second round on home soil in 1982. England (1966) and France (1998) won their only titles while playing as host nations. Uruguay (1930), Italy (1934) and Argentina (1978) won their first titles as host nations but have gone on to win again, while Germany (1974) won their second title on home soil.\n\nOther nations have also been successful when hosting the tournament. Sweden (runners-up in 1958), Chile (third place in 1962), Korea Republic (fourth place in 2002), and Mexico (quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986) all have their best results when serving as hosts. So far, South Africa (2010) was the only host nation to fail to advance beyond the first round.\n\n\\==Organisation and media coverage==\n\nSee also: List of FIFA World Cup broadcasters\n\nThe World Cup was first televised in 1954 and is now the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Olympic Games. The cumulative audience of all matches of the 2006 World Cup is estimated to be 26.29 billion.[\\[1\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1) 715.1 million individuals watched the final match of this tournament (a ninth of the entire population of the planet). The 2006 World Cup draw, which decided the distribution of teams into groups, was watched by 300 million viewers.[\\[42\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-42)\n\nEach FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own mascot or logo. *World Cup Willie*, the mascot for the 1966 competition, was the first World Cup mascot.[\\[43\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-43) Recent World Cups have also featured official match balls specially designed for each World Cup.\n\n\\===Attendance===\n\nSee also: List of sports attendance figures\n\n{\\| class=\"wikitable sortable\" style=\"text-align: center;\"   \n\\|-  \n!Year & Host  \n!Total Attendance  \n!\\# Matches  \n!Avg Attendance  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Uruguay](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg \"File:Flag of Uruguay.svg\") 1930\\|\\|434,500\\|\\|18\\|\\|24,139  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\\(1861-1946\\).svg \"File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg\") 1934\\|\\|358,000\\|\\|17\\|\\|21,059  \n\\|-  \n\\|[France](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") 1938\\|\\|483,000 \\|\\|18\\|\\|26,833  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") 1950\\|\\|1,043,500\\|\\|22\\|\\|47,432  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Switzerland](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg \"File:Flag of Switzerland.svg\") 1954\\|\\| 889,500 \\|\\|26\\|\\| 34,212  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Sweden](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg \"File:Flag of Sweden.svg\") 1958\\|\\| 919,580 \\|\\|35\\|\\| 26,274  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Chile](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg \"File:Flag of Chile.svg\") 1962\\|\\| 899,074 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 28,096  \n\\|-  \n\\|[England](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg \"File:Flag of England.svg\") 1966\\|\\| 1,635,000 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 51,094  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Mexico](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") 1970\\|\\| 1,603,975 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 50,124  \n\\|-  \n\\|[West Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") 1974\\|\\| 1,774,022 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 46,685  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Argentina](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg \"File:Flag of Argentina.svg\") 1978\\|\\| 1,546,151 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 40,688  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Spain](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg \"File:Flag of Spain.svg\") 1982\\|\\| 2,109,723\\|\\|52\\|\\| 40,572  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Mexico](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") 1986\\|\\| 2,393,031 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 46,020  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg \"File:Flag of Italy.svg\") 1990\\|\\| 2,516,348 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 48,391  \n\\|-  \n\\|[United States](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg \"File:Flag of the United States.svg\") 1994\\|\\| 3,587,538 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 68,991  \n\\|-   \n\\|[France](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") 1998\\|\\| 2,785,100 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 43,517  \n\\|-  \n\\|[Japan](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg \"File:Flag of Japan.svg\")[South Korea](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg \"File:Flag of South Korea.svg\") 2002\\|\\| 2,705,197 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 42,269  \n\\|-   \n\\|[Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") 2006\\|\\| 3,359,439 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 52,491  \n\\|-  \n\\|[South Africa](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg \"File:Flag of South Africa.svg\") 2010\\|\\| 3,178,856 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 49,670  \n\\|} ==Results==\n\nSee also: List of FIFA World Cup finals\n\n{\\| class=\"wikitable\" style=\"text-align:center; width:100%\"  \n\\|-  \n!width=5%\\|Year  \n!width=10%\\|Host  \n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\|  \n!width=14%\\|Winners  \n!width=10%\\|Score  \n!width=14%\\|Runners-up  \n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\|  \n!width=14%\\|Third place  \n!width=10%\\|Score  \n!width=14%\\|Fourth place  \n!width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\|  \n!width=4%\\|Number of teams  \n\\|-  \n\\|1930   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg \"File:Flag of Uruguay.svg\") Uruguay  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|[\\[note 1\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-45)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|13  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1934   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\\(1861-1946\\).svg \"File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg\") [Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Italy \"Italy\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**2–1**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1938   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") France  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**4–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16\/15  \n[\\[note 2\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-46)  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1950   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") [Brazil](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Brazil \"Brazil\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|[\\[note 3\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|[\\[note 3\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16\/13  \n[\\[note 4\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-51)  \n\\|-  \n\\|1954   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Switzerland.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg \"File:Flag of Switzerland.svg\") [Switzerland](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Switzerland \"Switzerland\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1958   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg \"File:Flag of Sweden.svg\") Sweden  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**5–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**6–3**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1962   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg \"File:Flag of Chile.svg\") Chile  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1966   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg \"File:Flag of England.svg\") [England](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/England \"England\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–2**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1970   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") Mexico  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**4–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1974   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") West Germany  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|-  \n\\|1978   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg \"File:Flag of Argentina.svg\") Argentina  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–1**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|16  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1982   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg \"File:Flag of Spain.svg\") Spain  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|-  \n\\|1986   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg \"File:Flag of Mexico.svg\") Mexico  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**4–2**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1990   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg \"File:Flag of Italy.svg\") [Italy](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Italy \"Italy\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**1–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|-  \n\\|1994   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg \"File:Flag of the United States.svg\") United States  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**0–0**  \n(3–2p)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**4–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|24  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|1998   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") France  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**3–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**2–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|-  \n\\|2002   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg \"File:Flag of South Korea.svg\") South Korea  \n & [File:Flag of Japan.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg \"File:Flag of Japan.svg\") [Japan](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Japan \"Japan\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**2–0**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|- style=\"background: \\#D0E6FF;\"  \n\\|2006   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") [Germany](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Germany \"Germany\")  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**1–1**  \n(5–3p)  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–1**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|-  \n\\|2010   \n *Details*  \n\\|[File:Flag of South Africa.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg \"File:Flag of South Africa.svg\") South Africa  \n\\|**Template:Fb-big**  \n\\|**1–0**  \nTemplate:Aet  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|**3–2**  \n\\|Template:Fb-big  \n\\|32  \n\\|-  \n\\|}  \n\\**aet*: after extra time  \n\\**p*: after penalty shoot-out\n\nNotes\n\n[↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-45) There was no official World Cup Third Place match in 1930; The United States and Yugoslavia lost in the semi-finals. FIFA now recognises the United States as the third-placed team and Yugoslavia as the fourth-placed team, using the overall records of the teams in the tournament.[\\[44\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-44)\n\n[↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-46) Austria withdrew after the draw as a result of the Anschluss with Germany: some Austrian players subsequently joined the German squad, leaving the tournament with 15 teams.\n\n↑ [3\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-0) [3\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-1) There was no official World Cup final match in 1950.[\\[45\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-47) The tournament winner was decided by a final round-robin group contested by four teams (Uruguay, Brazil, Sweden, and Spain). Coincidentally, one of the last two matches of the tournament pitted the two top ranked teams against each other, with Uruguay's 2–1 victory over Brazil thus often being considered as the de facto final of the 1950 World Cup.[\\[46\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-48) Likewise, the game between the lowest ranked teams, played at the same time as Uruguay vs Brazil, can be considered equal to a Third Place match, with Sweden's 3–1 victory over Spain ensuring that they finished third.\n\n[↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-51) Only 13 teams played the 1950 FIFA World Cup.[\\[47\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-50) 16 teams entered the seeding groups draw. However, Turkey and Scotland both withdrew before the draw; France (eliminated in qualifying) was invited as a replacement, leaving the tournament to be held with 15 teams. After the draw, India and France both withdrew, so only 13 teams participated in the tournament.\n\nIn all, 76 nations have played in at least one World Cup.[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52) Of these, eight national teams have won the World Cup, and they have added stars to their badges, with each star representing a World Cup victory. (However, Uruguay are an exception to this unwritten rule; they choose to display four stars on their badge, representing their two gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics and their two World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950).\n\nWith five titles, Brazil are the most successful World Cup team and also the only nation to have played in every World Cup (19) to date,[\\[49\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-53) and they will host the 20th in 2014. Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) are the only nations to have won consecutive titles. West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002) are the only nations to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Germany have made the most top-four finishes, with twelve, while sharing the record of most top-two finishes with Brazil, with seven.\n\n\\===Teams reaching the top four===\n\nSee also: FIFA World Cup comprehensive team results by tournament\n\n{\\| class=\"wikitable sortable\"  \n\\|-  \n! Team !! Titles !! Runners-up !! Third place !! Fourth place !! Total finishes in top four  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg \"File:Flag of Brazil.svg\") Brazil  \n\\|5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)  \n\\|2 (1950[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1998)  \n\\|2 (1938, 1978)  \n\\|1 (1974)  \n\\|10  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg \"File:Flag of Italy.svg\") Italy  \n\\|4 (1934[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1938, 1982, 2006)  \n\\|2 (1970, 1994)  \n\\|1 (1990[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|1 (1978)  \n\\|8  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg \"File:Flag of Germany.svg\") Germany[^](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#2)  \n\\|3 (1954, 1974[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1990)  \n\\|4 (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002)  \n\\|4 (1934, 1970, 2006\\*, 2010)  \n\\|1 (1958)  \n\\|12  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg \"File:Flag of Argentina.svg\") Argentina  \n\\|2 (1978[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1986)  \n\\|2 (1930, 1990)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|4  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg \"File:Flag of Uruguay.svg\") Uruguay  \n\\|2 (1930[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1950)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|3 (1954, 1970, 2010)  \n\\|5  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg \"File:Flag of France.svg\") France  \n\\|1 (1998[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|1 (2006)  \n\\|2 (1958, 1986)  \n\\|1 (1982)  \n\\|5  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg \"File:Flag of England.svg\") England  \n\\|1 (1966[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1990)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg \"File:Flag of Spain.svg\") Spain  \n\\|1 (2010)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1950)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg \"File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg\") Netherlands  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|3 (1974, 1978, 2010)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1998)  \n\\|4  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Czechoslovakia.svg \"File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg\") Czechoslovakia[\\#](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#3)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1934, 1962)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Hungary.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Hungary.svg \"File:Flag of Hungary.svg\") Hungary  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1938, 1954)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg \"File:Flag of Sweden.svg\") Sweden  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1958[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|2 (1950, 1994)  \n\\|1 (1938)  \n\\|4  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Poland.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Poland.svg \"File:Flag of Poland.svg\") Poland  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1974, 1982)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Austria.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Austria.svg \"File:Flag of Austria.svg\") Austria  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1954)  \n\\|1 (1934)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Portugal.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Portugal.svg \"File:Flag of Portugal.svg\") Portugal  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1966)  \n\\|1 (2006)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg \"File:Flag of the United States.svg\") United States  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1930)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg \"File:Flag of Chile.svg\") Chile  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1962[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Croatia.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Croatia.svg \"File:Flag of Croatia.svg\") Croatia  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1998)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Turkey.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Turkey.svg \"File:Flag of Turkey.svg\") Turkey  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (2002)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_SFR_Yugoslavia.svg \"File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg\") Yugoslavia[\\#](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#3)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|2 (1930, 1962)  \n\\|2  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union.svg \"File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg\") Soviet Union[\\#](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#3)  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1966)  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Belgium_\\(civil\\).svg \"File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg\") Belgium  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1986)  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Bulgaria.svg \"File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg\") Bulgaria  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (1994)  \n\\|1  \n\\|-  \n\\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg \"File:Flag of South Korea.svg\") South Korea  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|align=center\\| —  \n\\|1 (2002[\\*](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#1))  \n\\|1  \n\\|}  \n:\n\n*\\* = hosts*  \n:\n\n*^ = includes results representing West Germany between 1954 and 1990*\n\n:\n\n*\\# = states that have since split into two or more independent nations*[\\[48\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52)\n\n\\===Best performances by continental zones===\n\nSee also: FIFA World Cup results by confederation\n\nTo date, the final of the World Cup has only been contested by [European](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/UEFA \"UEFA\") and [South American](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONMEBOL \"CONMEBOL\") teams. European nations have won ten titles; South American teams have won nine. Only two teams from outside these two continents have ever reached the semi-finals of the competition: USA ([North, Central America and Caribbean](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONCACAF \"CONCACAF\")) in 1930 and Korea Republic ([Asia](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\")) who reached the semis in 2002. The best result of an [African](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Confederation_of_African_Football \"Confederation of African Football\") team is reaching the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Only one [Oceanian](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Oceania_Football_Confederation \"Oceania Football Confederation\") qualifier, Australia in 2006, has advanced to the second round.[\\[50\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-54)\n\nBrazil, Argentina, and Spain are the only teams to win a World Cup outside their continental confederation; Brazil came out victorious in [Europe](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/UEFA \"UEFA\") (1958), [North America](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/CONCACAF \"CONCACAF\") (1970 and 1994) and [Asia](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\") (2002), Argentina won a North American World Cup in 1986, while Spain won the only African World Cup in 2010. Only on three occasions have consecutive World Cups been won by teams from the same continent – Italy and Brazil successfully defended their titles in 1938 and 1962 respectively, while Spain's 2010 triumph followed Italy's in 2006.\n\n\\==Awards==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup awards*  \nAt the end of each World Cup, awards are presented to the players and teams for accomplishments other than their final team positions in the tournament. There are currently six awards:[\\[51\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-55)  \n\\*The *Golden Ball* for the best player, determined by a vote of media members (first awarded in 1982); the *Silver Ball* and the *Bronze Ball* are awarded to the players finishing second and third in the voting respectively;[\\[52\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-56)  \n\\*The *Golden Boot* (sometimes called the *Golden Shoe*) for the top goalscorer (first awarded in 1982, but retrospectively applied to all tournaments from 1930); most recently, the *Silver Boot* and the *Bronze Boot* have been awarded to the second and third top goalscorers respectively;[\\[53\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-57)  \n\\*The *Golden Glove Award* (formerly the *Yashin Award*) for the best goalkeeper, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 1994);[\\[54\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-58)  \n\\*The *Best Young Player Award* for the best player aged 21 or younger at the start of the calendar year, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 2006).  \n\\*The *FIFA Fair Play Trophy* for the team with the best record of fair play, according to the points system and criteria established by the FIFA Fair Play Committee (first awarded in 1978);  \n\\*The *Most Entertaining Team* for the team that has entertained the public the most during the World Cup, determined by a poll of the general public (first awarded in 1994);  \nAn *All-Star Team* consisting of the best players of the tournament has also been announced for each tournament since 1998.\n\n\\==Records and statistics==\n\n*Main article: FIFA World Cup records*  \nTwo players share the record for playing in the most World Cups; Mexico's Antonio Carbajal (1950–1966) and Germany's Lothar Matthäus (1982–1998) both played in five tournaments.[\\[56\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-60) Matthäus has played the most World Cup matches overall, with 25 appearances.[\\[57\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-61) West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer (1966–1974) is the only player to be named to three Finals All-Star Teams.\n\nIn November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\\[58\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-62) This made Brazil's [Pelé](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Pel%C3%A9 \"Pelé\") the only player to have won three World Cup winners' medals (1958, 1962, and 1970, although he did not play in the 1962 final due to injury),[\\[59\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-63) with 20 other players who have won two winners' medals. Six players have collected all three types of World Cup medals (winners', runner- ups', and third-place); five players were from West Germany's squad of 1966–1974 including Franz Beckenbauer, and the most recent has been Italy's Franco Baresi (1982, 1990, 1994).\n\nThe overall top goalscorer in World Cups is Brazil's Ronaldo, scorer of 15 goals (1998–2006). Germany's Miroslav Klose (2002–2010) and West Germany's Gerd Müller (1970–1974) are second, with 14 goals.[\\[60\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-64) The fourth placed goalscorer, France's Just Fontaine, holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup; all his 13 goals were scored in the 1958 tournament.[\\[61\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-65)\n\nBrazil's Mário Zagallo and West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer are the only people to date to win the World Cup as both player and head coach. Zagallo won in 1958 and 1962 as a player and in 1970 as head coach.[\\[62\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-66) Beckenbauer won in 1974 as captain and in 1990 as head coach.[\\[63\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-67) Italy's Vittorio Pozzo is the only head coach to ever win two World Cups (1934 and 1938).[\\[64\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-68) All World Cup winning head coaches were natives of the country they coached to victory.\n\nAmong the national teams, Germany have played the most World Cup matches, with 99,[\\[65\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-69) while Brazil have scored the most World Cup goals, with 210.[\\[66\\]](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-70) The two teams have played each other only once in the World Cup, in the 2002 final.\n\nSee also: All-time table of the Football World Cup\n\n\\==See also==\n\n\\* National team appearances in the FIFA World Cup  \n\\* FIFA Women's World Cup  \n\\* List of other competitions named World Cup  \n\\* 1980 Mundialito, a tournament held in Uruguay to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the World Cup  \n\\* FIFA World Cup All-Time Team  \n\\* FIFA World Cup Dream Team  \n\\* FIFA World Cup official songs ==Notes and references==\n\n1. ↑ [1\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-0) [1\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-1) [\"2006 FIFA World Cup broadcast wider, longer and farther than ever before\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/organisation\/marketing\/news\/newsid=111247\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. [Fédération Internationale de Football Association](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA \"FIFA\"). <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/organisation\/marketing\/news\/newsid=111247\/index.html>. Retrieved 11 October 2009.\n2. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2) [\"England National Football Team Match No. 1\"](http:\/\/www.englandfootballonline.com\/Seas1872-00\/1872-73\/M0001Sco1872.html). England Football Online. <http:\/\/www.englandfootballonline.com\/Seas1872-00\/1872-73\/M0001Sco1872.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n3. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-3) [\"British PM backs return of Home Nations championship\"](http:\/\/www.soccerway.com\/news\/2007\/November\/22\/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship). Agence France-Presse. <http:\/\/www.soccerway.com\/news\/2007\/November\/22\/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship>. Retrieved 16 December 2007.\n4. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-4) Elbech, Søren; Stokkermans, Karel (26 June 2008). [\"Intermediate Games of the IV. Olympiad\"](http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1906f.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1906f.html>.\n5. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-5) [\"History of FIFA – FIFA takes shape\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa2.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa2.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n6. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-6) [\"'The First World Cup'. The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20031129221811\/http:\/\/www.shrewsbury.gov.uk\/Public\/news\/thomaslipton.htm). Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council. 10 October 2003. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.shrewsbury.gov.uk\/Public\/news\/thomaslipton.htm) on 29 November 2003. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20031129221811\/http:\/\/www.shrewsbury.gov.uk\/Public\/news\/thomaslipton.htm>. Retrieved 11 April 2006.\n7. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-7) [\"History of FIFA – More associations follow\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa3.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa3.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n8. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-8) Reyes, Macario (18 October 1999). [\"VII. Olympiad Antwerp 1920 Football Tournament\"](http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1920f-det.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http:\/\/www.rsssf.com\/tableso\/ol1920f-det.html>. Retrieved 10 June 2006.\n9. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-9) [\"History of FIFA – The first FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa4.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 19 November 2007. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/fifa\/historyfifa4.html>.\n10. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-10) Molinaro, John F. [\"Lucien Laurent: The World Cup's First Goal Scorer\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/laurent_lucien.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/laurent_lucien.html>. Retrieved 6 May 2007.\n11. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-origin_11-0) [\"FIFA World Cup Origin\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n12. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-12) [\"The Olympic Odyssey so far... (Part 1: 1908–1964)\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/tournaments\/archive\/tournament=512\/edition=8229\/news\/newsid=92851.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/tournaments\/archive\/tournament=512\/edition=8229\/news\/newsid=92851.html>. Retrieved 8 January 2008.\n13. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-13) [\"Los datos más curiosos de la Fiesta del Fútbol - Brasil 1950 \\[The most curious of the Festival of Football - Brazil 1950\\]\"](http:\/\/www.cristal.com.pe\/articulo\/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950) (in Spanish). *cristal.com*. <http:\/\/www.cristal.com.pe\/articulo\/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950>. Retrieved 17 April 2012.\n14. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-14) [\"Scotland and the 1950 World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/scotland\/sportscotland\/asportingnation\/article\/0001\/index.shtml). BBC. <http:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/scotland\/sportscotland\/asportingnation\/article\/0001\/index.shtml>. Retrieved 13 May 2007.\n15. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-15) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville)\n16. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-16) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p45\n17. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-17) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p238\n18. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-18) [Glanville](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p359\n19. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-19) [\"Record number of 204 teams enter preliminary competition\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071117123621\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/organisation\/media\/newsid=122766.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/organisation\/media\/newsid=122766.html#record+number+teams+enter+preliminary+competition) on 17 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071117123621\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/organisation\/media\/newsid=122766.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n20. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-20) [\"FIFA Women's World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/womenworldcup\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/womenworldcup\/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007.\n21. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-21) [\"Regulations Men's Olympic Football Tournament 2008\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf>. Retrieved 22 December 2007.\n22. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-22) [\"FIFA Confederations Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/confederationcup\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/confederationcup\/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007.\n23. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-23) [\"Jules Rimet Trophy\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/julesrimettrophy.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/julesrimettrophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n24. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-24) [\"FIFA World Cup Trophy\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/trophies.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/history\/worldcup\/trophies.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n25. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-25) [\"FIFA Assets – Trophy\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104165903\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/trophy.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/trophy.html) on 4 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104165903\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/trophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n26. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-espnheroes_26-0) [\"122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716). *ESPNSoccernet.com* (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716>.\n27. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-27) [\"World Cup 1966 winners honoured\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport2\/hi\/football\/8093891.stm). BBC Sport. 10 June 2009. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport2\/hi\/football\/8093891.stm>.\n28. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-28) [\"Jimmy Greaves finally gets his 1966 World Cup medal\"](http:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/top-stories\/2009\/06\/11\/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367\/). *Mirror.co.uk* (MGN). <http:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/news\/top-stories\/2009\/06\/11\/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367\/>.\n29. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-29) [\"FIFA World Cup qualifying: Treasure-trove of the weird and wonderful\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/preliminarydraw\/news\/newsid=576440.html). *FIFA*. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/preliminarydraw\/news\/newsid=576440.html>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n30. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-30) [\"2010 World Cup Qualifying\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=). *ESPNSoccernet.com* (ESPN). 26 November 2009. <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=>. Retrieved 23 December 2009.\n31. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-31) [\"History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/51\/97\/75\/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/51\/97\/75\/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf>.\n32. ↑ [32\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-0) [32\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-1) [\"Formats of the FIFA World Cup final competitions 1930–2010\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf>. Retrieved 1 January 2008.\n33. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-33) [\"FIFA World Cup: seeded teams 1930–2010\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/82\/40\/89\/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mencompwc\/82\/40\/89\/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf>.\n34. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-34) Previously, due to there being fewer finals places and a bigger ratio of European finalists, there had been several occasions where three European teams were in a single group, for example, 1986 (West Germany, Scotland, and Denmark), 1990 (Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Austria), and 1994 (Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Norway). ([\"History of the World Cup Final Draw\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf>.)\n35. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-35) This practice has been installed since the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In some cases during previous tournaments, for example, Argentina 6–0 Peru in Argentina 1978 and West Germany 1–0 Austria in Spain 1982, teams that played the latter match were perceived to gain an unfair advantage by knowing the score of the earlier match, and subsequently obtaining a result that ensured advancement to the next stage. ([\"1978 Argentina\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1978.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1978.html>.; [\"1982 Spain\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1982.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1982.html>.)\n36. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-36) [\"Regulations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. p. 41. [http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/fifa%5fwc%5fsouth%5fafrica%5f2010%5fregulations%5fen%5f14123.pdf](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/tournament\/competition\/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf). Retrieved 21 June 2010.\n37. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-37) [\"Uruguay 1930\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632201.stm). BBC Sport. 11 April 2002. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632201.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006.\n38. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-38) [\"France 1938\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632206.stm). BBC Sport. 17 April 2002. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/history\/newsid_1632000\/1632206.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006.\n39. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-39) [\"Asia takes World Cup center stage\"](http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/news\/2002\/06\/03\/au_asia_rb\/). CNN. 3 June 2002. <http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/news\/2002\/06\/03\/au_asia_rb\/>. Retrieved 1 January 2008.\n40. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-40) [\"Brazil will stage 2014 World Cup\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/internationals\/7068848.stm). BBC Sport. 10 October 2007. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/internationals\/7068848.stm>. Retrieved 1 January 2008.\n41. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-41) [\"Rotation ends in 2018\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071101002817\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/federation\/administration\/releases\/newsid=625122.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/federation\/administration\/releases\/newsid=625122.html#rotation+ends+2018) on 1 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071101002817\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/federation\/administration\/releases\/newsid=625122.html>. Retrieved 10 October 2007.\n42. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-42) [\"Socceroos face major challenge: Hiddink\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060430001531\/http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/sport\/content\/200512\/s1528128.htm). ABC Sport. 10 December 2005. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/sport\/content\/200512\/s1528128.htm) on 30 April 2006. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20060430001531\/http:\/\/www.abc.net.au\/sport\/content\/200512\/s1528128.htm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006.\n43. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-43) [\"FIFA Assets – Mascots\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104232128\/http:\/\/fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/mascots.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/mascots.html) on 4 November 2007. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20071104232128\/http:\/\/fifa.com\/aboutfifa\/marketingtv\/marketing\/fifaassets\/mascots.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007.\n44. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-44) [\"1930 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=1\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=1\/index.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n45. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-47) [\"1950 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/overview.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/overview.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n46. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-48) [\"FIFA World Cup Finals since 1930\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf) (PDF). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n47. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-50) [\"1950 FIFA World Cup\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/teams\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/edition=7\/teams\/index.html>. Retrieved 15 August 2011.\n48. ↑ [48\\.0](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-0) [48\\.1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-1) FIFA considers that the national team of Russia succeeds the USSR, the national team of Serbia succeeds the Yugoslavia\/Serbia and Montenegro, and the national team of Czech Republic succeeds the Czechoslovakia. ([\"Russia\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=rus\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=rus\/index.html>.; [\"Serbia\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=srb\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=srb\/index.html>.; [\"Czech Republic\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=cze\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=cze\/index.html>.).\n49. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-53) [\"Brazil\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=bra\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/associations\/association=bra\/index.html>.\n50. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-54) Australia's qualification in 2006 was through the Oceanian zone as they were a member of the [OFC](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Oceania_Football_Confederation \"Oceania Football Confederation\") member during qualifying. However, on 1 January 2006, they left the Oceania Football Confederation and joined the [Asian Football Confederation](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Asian_Football_Confederation \"Asian Football Confederation\").\n51. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-55) [\"FIFA World Cup awards\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/mm\/document\/fifafacts\/mcwc\/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009.\n52. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-56) \"Template:Citation error\". *Soccerway*. 10 July 2006.\n53. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-57) [\"adidas Golden Shoe – FIFA World Cup Final\"](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/awards\/golden\/award=gsa\/idcup=17\/pastcupawards.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/classicfootball\/awards\/golden\/award=gsa\/idcup=17\/pastcupawards.html>. Retrieved 4 March 2009.\n54. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-58) \"Template:Citation error\". BBC Sport. 30 June 2002.\n55. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-60) Yannis, Alex (10 November 1999). *New York Times*.\n56. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-61) [\"World Cup Hall of Fame: Lothar Matthaeus\"](http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/hof\/matthaeus\/). CNN. <http:\/\/sportsillustrated.cnn.com\/soccer\/world\/2002\/world_cup\/hof\/matthaeus\/>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n57. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-62) ([\"122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716). *ESPNSoccernet.com,* (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/news\/story?id=484715&cc=4716>.)\n58. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-63) Kirby, Gentry (5 July 2006). ESPN.\n59. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-64) Chowdhury, Saj (27 June 2006). [\"Ronaldo's riposte\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/world_cup_2006\/teams\/brazil\/5112982.stm). BBC Sport. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport1\/hi\/football\/world_cup_2006\/teams\/brazil\/5112982.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n60. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-65) [\"Goal machine was Just superb\"](http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/team_pages\/france\/newsid_1752000\/1752740.stm). BBC Sport. 4 April 2002. <http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/sport3\/worldcup2002\/hi\/team_pages\/france\/newsid_1752000\/1752740.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007.\n61. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-66) Hughes, Rob (11 March 1998). [\"No Alternative to Victory for National Coach : 150 Million Brazilians Keep Heat on Zagalo\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080226063509\/http:\/\/www.iht.com\/articles\/1998\/03\/11\/soccer.t_7.php). *International Herald Tribune*. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.iht.com\/articles\/1998\/03\/11\/soccer.t_7.php) on 26 February 2008. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20080226063509\/http:\/\/www.iht.com\/articles\/1998\/03\/11\/soccer.t_7.php>. Retrieved 31 December 2007.\n62. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-67) Brewin, John (21 December 2007). [\"World Cup Legends – Franz Beckenbauer\"](http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/archive\/worldcup\/editorial\/legends_beckenbauer.html). *ESPNSoccernet.com* (ESPN). <http:\/\/soccernet.espn.go.com\/archive\/worldcup\/editorial\/legends_beckenbauer.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007.\n63. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-68) [\"1938 France\"](http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1938.html). CBC. <http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/sports\/worldcup2006\/history\/events\/1938.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007.\n64. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-69) [\"Germany move ahead of Brazil\"](http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100709063123\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/news\/newsid=1269182\/index.html). *FIFA.com*. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/news\/newsid=1269182\/index.html) on 9 July 2010. <http:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20100709063123\/http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/news\/newsid=1269182\/index.html>?. Retrieved 6 July 2010.\n65. [↑](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-70) [\"Planet World Cup – All time table\"](http:\/\/www.planetworldcup.com\/NATIONS\/maraton.html). Planet World Cup. <http:\/\/www.planetworldcup.com\/NATIONS\/maraton.html>. Retrieved 26 January 2008.\n\n\\==Bibliography==\n\nGlanville, Brian (2005). *The Story of the World Cup*. Faber. p. 44. ISBN [0-571-22944-1](https:\/\/big-soccer.fandom.com\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0-571-22944-1 \"Special:BookSources\/0-571-22944-1\").\n\n\\==External links==\n\n\\* [FIFA World Cup official site](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/index.html)  \n\\* [Previous FIFA World Cups](http:\/\/www.fifa.com\/worldcup\/archive\/index.html)\n\nTemplate:FIFA World Cup winners  \nTemplate:FIFA World Cup\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |\n\n| {{{header}}} |\n|---|\n| {{{body}}} |","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup
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Meta Title	FIFA World Cup \| Big Soccer Wiki \| Fandom
Meta Description	The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every...
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Boilerpipe Text	FIFA World Cup Most successful team(s) File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil (5 titles) The FIFA World Cup , often simply the World Cup , is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association ( FIFA ), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930 , except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War . The current champions are Spain , who won the 2010 tournament . The current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month; this phase is often called the World Cup Finals . A qualification phase , which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s). The 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams. Brazil have won five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are Italy , with four titles; Germany , with three titles; Argentina and inaugural winners Uruguay , with two titles each; and England , France , and Spain , with one title each. The World Cup is the world's most widely viewed sporting event; an estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany . [ 1 ] The next three World Cups will be hosted by Brazil in 2014 , Russia in 2018 , and Qatar in 2022 . ==History== Main article: History of the FIFA World Cup ===Previous international competitions=== The world's first international football match was a challenge match played in Glasgow in 1872 between Scotland and England , [ 2 ] which ended in a 0–0 draw. The first international tournament, the inaugural edition of the British Home Championship , took place in 1884. [ 3 ] As football grew in popularity in other parts of the world at the turn of the 20th century, it was held as a demonstration sport with no medals awarded at the 1900 and 1904 Summer Olympics (however, the IOC has retroactively upgraded their status to official events), and at the 1906 Intercalated Games . [ 4 ] After FIFA was founded in 1904, it tried to arrange an international football tournament between nations outside the Olympic framework in Switzerland in 1906. These were very early days for international football, and the official history of FIFA describes the competition as having been a failure. [ 5 ] At the 1908 Summer Olympics in London , football became an official competition. Planned by The Football Association (FA), England's football governing body, the event was for amateur players only and was regarded suspiciously as a show rather than a competition. Great Britain (represented by the England national amateur football team ) won the gold medals . They repeated the feat in 1912 in Stockholm . With the Olympic event continuing to be contested only between amateur teams, Sir Thomas Lipton organised the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy tournament in Turin in 1909. The Lipton tournament was a championship between individual clubs (not national teams) from different nations, each one of which represented an entire nation. The competition is sometimes described as The First World Cup , [ 6 ] and featured the most prestigious professional club sides from Italy, Germany and Switzerland, but the FA of England refused to be associated with the competition and declined the offer to send a professional team. Lipton invited West Auckland , an amateur side from County Durham , to represent England instead. West Auckland won the tournament and returned in 1911 to successfully defend their title. In 1914, FIFA agreed to recognise the Olympic tournament as a "world football championship for amateurs", and took responsibility for managing the event. [ 7 ] This paved the way for the world's first intercontinental football competition, at the 1920 Summer Olympics , contested by Egypt and thirteen European teams, and won by Belgium . [ 8 ] Uruguay won the next two Olympic football tournaments in 1924 and 1928 . Those were also the first two open world championships, as 1924 was the start of FIFA's professional era. File:Estadiocentenario.JPG Estadio Centenario , the location of the first World Cup final in 1930 in Montevideo , Uruguay Due to the success of the Olympic football tournaments, FIFA, with President Jules Rimet the driving force, again started looking at staging its own international tournament outside of the Olympics. On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam decided to stage a world championship itself. [ 9 ] With Uruguay now two-time official football world champions and to celebrate their centenary of independence in 1930, FIFA named Uruguay as the host country of the inaugural World Cup tournament . The national associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet eventually persuaded teams from Belgium , France , Romania , and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In total thirteen nations took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America. The first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously on 13 July 1930, and were won by France and USA , who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0 respectively. The first goal in World Cup history was scored by Lucien Laurent of France. [ 10 ] In the final , Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in Montevideo , and in doing so became the first nation to win the World Cup. [ 11 ] ===World Cups before World War II=== After the creation of the World Cup, the 1932 Summer Olympics , held in Los Angeles , did not plan to include football as part of the schedule due to the low popularity of the sport in the United States , as American football had been growing in popularity. FIFA and the IOC also disagreed over the status of amateur players, and so football was dropped from the Games. [ 12 ] Olympic football returned at the 1936 Summer Olympics , but was now overshadowed by the more prestigious World Cup. The issues facing the early World Cup tournaments were the difficulties of intercontinental travel, and war. Few South American teams were willing to travel to Europe for the 1934 and 1938 tournaments, with Brazil the only South American team to compete in both. The 1942 and 1946 competitions, which Nazi Germany and Brazil sought to host, [ 13 ] were cancelled due to World War II and its aftermath. ===World Cups after World War II=== The 1950 World Cup , held in Brazil , was the first to include British participants. British teams withdrew from FIFA in 1920, partly out of unwillingness to play against the countries they had been at war with, and partly as a protest against foreign influence on football, [ 14 ] but rejoined in 1946 following FIFA's invitation. [ 15 ] The tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions Uruguay , who had boycotted the previous two World Cups. Uruguay won the tournament again after defeating the host nation Brazil, in the match called " Maracanazo " (Portuguese: Maracanaço ). Map of countries' best results Map of countries' best results In the tournaments between 1934 and 1978 , 16 teams competed in each tournament, except in 1938, when Austria was absorbed into Germany after qualifying, leaving the tournament with 15 teams, and in 1950, when India , Scotland and Turkey withdrew, leaving the tournament with 13 teams. [ 16 ] Most of the participating nations were from Europe and South America, with a small minority from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. These teams were usually defeated easily by the European and South American teams. Until 1982, the only teams from outside Europe and South America to advance out of the first round were: USA , semi-finalists in 1930; Cuba , quarter-finalists in 1938; Korea DPR , quarter-finalists in 1966 ; and Mexico , quarter-finalists in 1970 . ===Expansion to 32 teams=== The tournament was expanded to 24 teams in 1982 , [ 17 ] and then to 32 in 1998 , [ 18 ] also allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part. Since then, teams from these regions have enjoyed more success, with several having reached the quarter-finals: Mexico , quarter-finalists in 1986 ; Cameroon , quarter-finalists in 1990 ; Korea Republic , finishing in fourth place in 2002 ; Senegal , along with USA , both quarter-finalists in 2002; and Ghana as quarter-finalists in 2010. Nevertheless, European and South American teams continue to dominate, e.g., the quarter-finalists in 1994, 1998 and 2006 were all from Europe or South America. Two hundred teams entered the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds; 198 nations attempted to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup , while a record 204 countries entered qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup . [ 19 ] ===Other FIFA tournaments=== An equivalent tournament for women's football , the FIFA Women's World Cup , was first held in 1991 in the People's Republic of China . [ 20 ] The women's tournament is smaller in scale and profile than the men's, but is growing; the number of entrants for the 2007 tournament was 120, more than double that of 1991. Football has been included in every Summer Olympic Games except 1896 and 1932. Unlike many other sports, the men's football tournament at the Olympics is not a top-level tournament, and since 1992, an under-23 tournament with each team allowed three over-age players. [ 21 ] Women's football made its Olympic debut in 1996, and is contested between full national sides with no age restrictions. The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament held one year before the World Cup at the World Cup host nation(s) as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup champion and the host country. [ 22 ] FIFA also organises international tournaments for youth football ( FIFA U-20 World Cup , FIFA U-17 World Cup , FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup , FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup ), club football ( FIFA Club World Cup ), and football variants such as futsal ( FIFA Futsal World Cup ) and beach soccer ( FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup ). Since the 2010 edition, the U-20 Women's World Cup has played the same role in women's football as the Confederations Cup plays in the men's game. When the U-20 Women's World Cup is held the year before the Women's World Cup, both tournaments are awarded in a single bidding process, with the U-20 tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the larger competition. ==Trophy== Main article: FIFA World Cup Trophy File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg The FIFA World Cup Trophy on a German stamp From 1930 to 1970, the Jules Rimet Trophy was awarded to the World Cup winner. It was originally simply known as the World Cup or Coupe du Monde , but in 1946 it was renamed after the FIFA president Jules Rimet who set up the first tournament. In 1970 , Brazil 's third victory in the tournament entitled them to keep the trophy permanently. However, the trophy was stolen in 1983, and has never been recovered, apparently melted down by the thieves. [ 23 ] After 1970, a new trophy, known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy , was designed. The experts of FIFA, coming from seven different countries, evaluated the 53 presented models, finally opting for the work of the Italian designer Silvio Gazzaniga . The new trophy is 36 cm (14.2 in) high, made of solid 18 carat (75%) gold and weighs 6.175 kg (13.6 lb). The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite while the bottom side of the trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974 . The description of the trophy by Gazzaniga was: "The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory." [ 24 ] This new trophy is not awarded to the winning nation permanently. World Cup winners retain the trophy until the next tournament and are awarded a gold-plated replica rather than the solid gold original. [ 25 ] At the present, all members (players, coaches, and managers) of the top three teams receive medals with an insignia of the World Cup Trophy ; winners' (gold), runner-ups' (silver), and third-place (bronze). In the 2002 edition , fourth-place medals were awarded to hosts South Korea . Prior to the 1978 tournament, medals were only awarded to the eleven players on the pitch at the end of the final and the third-place match. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals. [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] Format [ ] ===Qualification=== Main article: FIFA World Cup qualification Since the second World Cup in 1934 , qualifying tournaments have been held to thin the field for the final tournament. [ 29 ] They are held within the six FIFA continental zones ( Africa , Asia , North and Central America and Caribbean , South America , Oceania , and Europe ), overseen by their respective confederations. For each tournament, FIFA decides the number of places awarded to each of the continental zones beforehand, generally based on the relative strength of the confederations' teams. The qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental play-offs . For example, the winner of the Oceanian zone and the fifth-placed team from the Asian zone entered a play-off for a spot in the 2010 World Cup . [ 30 ] From the 1938 World Cup onwards, host nations received automatic qualification to the final tournament. This right was also granted to the defending champions between 1938 and 2002, but was withdrawn from the 2006 FIFA World Cup onward, requiring the champions to qualify. Brazil , winners in 2002 , were the first defending champions to play qualifying matches. [ 31 ] ===Final tournament=== For the various formats used in previous tournaments, see History of the FIFA World Cup#Format of each final tournament . The current final tournament features 32 national teams competing over a month in the host nation(s). There are two stages: the group stage followed by the knockout stage. [ 32 ] In the group stage, teams compete within eight groups of four teams each. Eight teams are seeded, including the hosts, with the other seeded teams selected using a formula based on the FIFA World Rankings and/or performances in recent World Cups, and drawn to separate groups. [ 33 ] The other teams are assigned to different "pots", usually based on geographical criteria, and teams in each pot are drawn at random to the eight groups. Since 1998 , constraints have been applied to the draw to ensure that no group contains more than two European teams or more than one team from any other confederation. [ 34 ] Each group plays a round-robin tournament , in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams. [ 35 ] The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since 1994 , three points have been awarded for a win , one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points). The ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows: [ 36 ] # Greatest number of points in group matches # Greatest goal difference in group matches # Greatest number of goals scored in group matches # If more than one team remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined as follows: ## Greatest number of points in head-to-head matches among those teams ## Greatest goal difference in head-to-head matches among those teams ## Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among those teams # If any of the teams above remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined by the drawing of lots The knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 16 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the third-place match (contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final. [ 32 ] ==Hosts== Main article: FIFA World Cup hosts ===Selection process=== Template:Wikinews Early World Cups were given to countries at meetings of FIFA's congress. The locations were controversial because South America and Europe were by far the two centres of strength in football and travel between them required three weeks by boat. The decision to hold the first World Cup in Uruguay, for example, led to only four European nations competing. [ 37 ] The next two World Cups were both held in Europe. The decision to hold the second of these in France was disputed, as the South American countries understood that the location would alternate between the two continents. Both Argentina and Uruguay thus boycotted the 1938 FIFA World Cup . [ 38 ] Since the 1958 FIFA World Cup , to avoid future boycotts or controversy, FIFA began a pattern of alternating the hosts between the Americas and Europe, which continued until the 1998 FIFA World Cup . The 2002 FIFA World Cup , hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan, was the first one held in Asia, and the only tournament with multiple hosts. [ 39 ] South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup in 2010 . The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, the first held in South America since 1978 , [ 40 ] and will be the first occasion where consecutive World Cups are held outside Europe. The host country is now chosen in a vote by FIFA's Executive Committee. This is done under an exhaustive ballot system. The national football association of a country desiring to host the event receives a "Hosting Agreement" from FIFA, which explains the steps and requirements that are expected from a strong bid. The bidding association also receives a form, the submission of which represents the official confirmation of the candidacy. After this, a FIFA designated group of inspectors visit the country to identify that the country meets the requirements needed to host the event and a report on the country is produced. The decision on who will host the World Cup is usually made six or seven years in advance of the tournament. However, there have been occasions where the hosts of multiple future tournaments were announced at the same time, as was the case for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups , which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively. For the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the final tournament is rotated between confederations, allowing only countries from the chosen confederation (Africa in 2010, South America in 2014) to bid to host the tournament. The rotation policy was introduced after the controversy surrounding Germany's victory over South Africa in the vote to host the 2006 tournament . However, the policy of continental rotation will not continue beyond 2014, so any country, except those belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments, can apply as hosts for World Cups starting from 2018 . [ 41 ] This is partly to avoid a similar scenario to the bidding process for the 2014 tournament, where Brazil was the only official bidder. ===Performances=== See also: Results of host nations in the FIFA World Cup Six of the eight champions have won one of their titles while playing in their own homeland, the exceptions being Brazil , who finished as runners-up after losing the deciding match on home soil in 1950, and Spain , which reached the second round on home soil in 1982. England (1966) and France (1998) won their only titles while playing as host nations. Uruguay (1930), Italy (1934) and Argentina (1978) won their first titles as host nations but have gone on to win again, while Germany (1974) won their second title on home soil. Other nations have also been successful when hosting the tournament. Sweden (runners-up in 1958), Chile (third place in 1962), Korea Republic (fourth place in 2002), and Mexico (quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986) all have their best results when serving as hosts. So far, South Africa (2010) was the only host nation to fail to advance beyond the first round. ==Organisation and media coverage== See also: List of FIFA World Cup broadcasters The World Cup was first televised in 1954 and is now the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Olympic Games . The cumulative audience of all matches of the 2006 World Cup is estimated to be 26.29 billion. [ 1 ] 715.1 million individuals watched the final match of this tournament (a ninth of the entire population of the planet). The 2006 World Cup draw, which decided the distribution of teams into groups, was watched by 300 million viewers. [ 42 ] Each FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own mascot or logo. World Cup Willie , the mascot for the 1966 competition, was the first World Cup mascot . [ 43 ] Recent World Cups have also featured official match balls specially designed for each World Cup. ===Attendance=== See also: List of sports attendance figures {\| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;" \|- !Year & Host !Total Attendance !# Matches !Avg Attendance \|- \| Uruguay 1930 \|\|434,500\|\|18\|\|24,139 \|- \| Italy 1934 \|\|358,000\|\|17\|\|21,059 \|- \| France 1938 \|\|483,000 \|\|18\|\|26,833 \|- \| Brazil 1950 \|\|1,043,500\|\|22\|\|47,432 \|- \| Switzerland 1954 \|\| 889,500 \|\|26\|\| 34,212 \|- \| Sweden 1958 \|\| 919,580 \|\|35\|\| 26,274 \|- \| Chile 1962 \|\| 899,074 \|\|32\|\| 28,096 \|- \| England 1966 \|\| 1,635,000 \|\|32\|\| 51,094 \|- \| Mexico 1970 \|\| 1,603,975 \|\|32\|\| 50,124 \|- \| West Germany 1974 \|\| 1,774,022 \|\|38\|\| 46,685 \|- \| Argentina 1978 \|\| 1,546,151 \|\|38\|\| 40,688 \|- \| Spain 1982 \|\| 2,109,723\|\|52\|\| 40,572 \|- \| Mexico 1986 \|\| 2,393,031 \|\|52\|\| 46,020 \|- \| Italy 1990 \|\| 2,516,348 \|\|52\|\| 48,391 \|- \| United States 1994 \|\| 3,587,538 \|\|52\|\| 68,991 \|- \| France 1998 \|\| 2,785,100 \|\|64\|\| 43,517 \|- \| Japan South Korea 2002 \|\| 2,705,197 \|\|64\|\| 42,269 \|- \| Germany 2006 \|\| 3,359,439 \|\|64\|\| 52,491 \|- \| South Africa 2010 \|\| 3,178,856 \|\|64\|\| 49,670 \|} ==Results== See also: List of FIFA World Cup finals {\| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%" \|- !width=5%\|Year !width=10%\|Host !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\| !width=14%\|Winners !width=10%\|Score !width=14%\|Runners-up !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\| !width=14%\|Third place !width=10%\|Score !width=14%\|Fourth place !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\| !width=4%\|Number of teams \|- \|1930 Details \| File:Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay \| Template:Fb-big \| 4–2 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| [ note 1 ] \| Template:Fb-big \|13 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1934 Details \| File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg Italy \| Template:Fb-big \| 2–1 Template:Aet \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–2 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- \|1938 Details \| File:Flag of France.svg France \| Template:Fb-big \| 4–2 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 4–2 \| Template:Fb-big \|16/15 [ note 2 ] \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1950 Details \| File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil \| Template:Fb-big \| [ note 3 ] \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| [ note 3 ] \| Template:Fb-big \|16/13 [ note 4 ] \|- \|1954 Details \| File:Flag of Switzerland.svg Switzerland \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–2 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–1 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1958 Details \| File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden \| Template:Fb-big \| 5–2 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 6–3 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- \|1962 Details \| File:Flag of Chile.svg Chile \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–1 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 1–0 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1966 Details \| File:Flag of England.svg England \| Template:Fb-big \| 4–2 Template:Aet \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 2–1 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- \|1970 Details \| File:Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico \| Template:Fb-big \| 4–1 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 1–0 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1974 Details \| File:Flag of Germany.svg West Germany \| Template:Fb-big \| 2–1 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 1–0 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- \|1978 Details \| File:Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–1 Template:Aet \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 2–1 \| Template:Fb-big \|16 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1982 Details \| File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–1 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–2 \| Template:Fb-big \|24 \|- \|1986 Details \| File:Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–2 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 4–2 Template:Aet \| Template:Fb-big \|24 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1990 Details \| File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy \| Template:Fb-big \| 1–0 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 2–1 \| Template:Fb-big \|24 \|- \|1994 Details \| File:Flag of the United States.svg United States \| Template:Fb-big \| 0–0 (3–2 p ) \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 4–0 \| Template:Fb-big \|24 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|1998 Details \| File:Flag of France.svg France \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–0 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 2–1 \| Template:Fb-big \|32 \|- \|2002 Details \| File:Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea & File:Flag of Japan.svg Japan \| Template:Fb-big \| 2–0 \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–2 \| Template:Fb-big \|32 \|- style="background: #D0E6FF;" \|2006 Details \| File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany \| Template:Fb-big \| 1–1 (5–3 p ) \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–1 \| Template:Fb-big \|32 \|- \|2010 Details \| File:Flag of South Africa.svg South Africa \| Template:Fb-big \| 1–0 Template:Aet \| Template:Fb-big \| Template:Fb-big \| 3–2 \| Template:Fb-big \|32 \|- \|} * aet : after extra time * p : after penalty shoot-out Notes ↑ There was no official World Cup Third Place match in 1930; The United States and Yugoslavia lost in the semi-finals. FIFA now recognises the United States as the third-placed team and Yugoslavia as the fourth-placed team, using the overall records of the teams in the tournament. [ 44 ] ↑ Austria withdrew after the draw as a result of the Anschluss with Germany: some Austrian players subsequently joined the German squad, leaving the tournament with 15 teams. ↑ 3.0 3.1 There was no official World Cup final match in 1950. [ 45 ] The tournament winner was decided by a final round-robin group contested by four teams (Uruguay, Brazil, Sweden, and Spain). Coincidentally, one of the last two matches of the tournament pitted the two top ranked teams against each other, with Uruguay's 2–1 victory over Brazil thus often being considered as the de facto final of the 1950 World Cup. [ 46 ] Likewise, the game between the lowest ranked teams, played at the same time as Uruguay vs Brazil, can be considered equal to a Third Place match, with Sweden's 3–1 victory over Spain ensuring that they finished third. ↑ Only 13 teams played the 1950 FIFA World Cup. [ 47 ] 16 teams entered the seeding groups draw. However, Turkey and Scotland both withdrew before the draw; France (eliminated in qualifying) was invited as a replacement, leaving the tournament to be held with 15 teams. After the draw, India and France both withdrew, so only 13 teams participated in the tournament. In all, 76 nations have played in at least one World Cup . [ 48 ] Of these, eight national teams have won the World Cup, and they have added stars to their badges , with each star representing a World Cup victory. (However, Uruguay are an exception to this unwritten rule; they choose to display four stars on their badge, representing their two gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics and their two World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950). With five titles, Brazil are the most successful World Cup team and also the only nation to have played in every World Cup (19) to date, [ 49 ] and they will host the 20th in 2014. Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) are the only nations to have won consecutive titles. West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002) are the only nations to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Germany have made the most top-four finishes, with twelve, while sharing the record of most top-two finishes with Brazil, with seven. ===Teams reaching the top four=== See also: FIFA World Cup comprehensive team results by tournament {\| class="wikitable sortable" \|- ! Team !! Titles !! Runners-up !! Third place !! Fourth place !! Total finishes in top four \|- \| File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil \|5 ( 1958 , 1962 , 1970 , 1994 , 2002 ) \|2 ( 1950 * , 1998 ) \|2 ( 1938 , 1978 ) \|1 ( 1974 ) \|10 \|- \| File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy \|4 ( 1934 * , 1938 , 1982 , 2006 ) \|2 ( 1970 , 1994 ) \|1 ( 1990 * ) \|1 ( 1978 ) \|8 \|- \| File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany ^ \|3 ( 1954 , 1974 * , 1990 ) \|4 ( 1966 , 1982 , 1986 , 2002 ) \|4 ( 1934 , 1970 , 2006* , 2010 ) \|1 ( 1958 ) \|12 \|- \| File:Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina \|2 ( 1978 * , 1986 ) \|2 ( 1930 , 1990 ) \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|4 \|- \| File:Flag of Uruguay.svg Uruguay \|2 ( 1930 * , 1950 ) \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|3 ( 1954 , 1970 , 2010 ) \|5 \|- \| File:Flag of France.svg France \|1 ( 1998 * ) \|1 ( 2006 ) \|2 ( 1958 , 1986 ) \|1 ( 1982 ) \|5 \|- \| File:Flag of England.svg England \|1 ( 1966 * ) \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1990 ) \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain \|1 ( 2010 ) \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1950 ) \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands \|align=center\| — \|3 ( 1974 , 1978 , 2010 ) \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1998 ) \|4 \|- \| File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg Czechoslovakia # \|align=center\| — \|2 ( 1934 , 1962 ) \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary \|align=center\| — \|2 ( 1938 , 1954 ) \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1958 * ) \|2 ( 1950 , 1994 ) \|1 ( 1938 ) \|4 \|- \| File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|2 ( 1974 , 1982 ) \|align=center\| — \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of Austria.svg Austria \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1954 ) \|1 ( 1934 ) \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1966 ) \|1 ( 2006 ) \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of the United States.svg United States \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1930 ) \|align=center\| — \|1 \|- \| File:Flag of Chile.svg Chile \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1962 * ) \|align=center\| — \|1 \|- \| File:Flag of Croatia.svg Croatia \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1998 ) \|align=center\| — \|1 \|- \| File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 2002 ) \|align=center\| — \|1 \|- \| File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg Yugoslavia # \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|2 ( 1930 , 1962 ) \|2 \|- \| File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union # \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1966 ) \|1 \|- \| File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1986 ) \|1 \|- \| File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 1994 ) \|1 \|- \| File:Flag of South Korea.svg South Korea \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|align=center\| — \|1 ( 2002 * ) \|1 \|} : * = hosts : ^ = includes results representing West Germany between 1954 and 1990 : # = states that have since split into two or more independent nations [ 48 ] ===Best performances by continental zones=== See also: FIFA World Cup results by confederation To date, the final of the World Cup has only been contested by European and South American teams. European nations have won ten titles; South American teams have won nine. Only two teams from outside these two continents have ever reached the semi-finals of the competition: USA ( North, Central America and Caribbean ) in 1930 and Korea Republic ( Asia ) who reached the semis in 2002. The best result of an African team is reaching the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Only one Oceanian qualifier, Australia in 2006, has advanced to the second round. [ 50 ] Brazil , Argentina , and Spain are the only teams to win a World Cup outside their continental confederation; Brazil came out victorious in Europe ( 1958 ), North America ( 1970 and 1994 ) and Asia ( 2002 ), Argentina won a North American World Cup in 1986 , while Spain won the only African World Cup in 2010 . Only on three occasions have consecutive World Cups been won by teams from the same continent – Italy and Brazil successfully defended their titles in 1938 and 1962 respectively, while Spain's 2010 triumph followed Italy's in 2006. ==Awards== Main article: FIFA World Cup awards At the end of each World Cup, awards are presented to the players and teams for accomplishments other than their final team positions in the tournament. There are currently six awards: [ 51 ] The Golden Ball for the best player, determined by a vote of media members (first awarded in 1982); the Silver Ball and the Bronze Ball are awarded to the players finishing second and third in the voting respectively; [ 52 ] The Golden Boot (sometimes called the Golden Shoe ) for the top goalscorer (first awarded in 1982, but retrospectively applied to all tournaments from 1930); most recently, the Silver Boot and the Bronze Boot have been awarded to the second and third top goalscorers respectively; [ 53 ] The Golden Glove Award (formerly the Yashin Award ) for the best goalkeeper , decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 1994); [ 54 ] The Best Young Player Award for the best player aged 21 or younger at the start of the calendar year, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 2006). The FIFA Fair Play Trophy for the team with the best record of fair play , according to the points system and criteria established by the FIFA Fair Play Committee (first awarded in 1978); The Most Entertaining Team for the team that has entertained the public the most during the World Cup, determined by a poll of the general public (first awarded in 1994); An All-Star Team consisting of the best players of the tournament has also been announced for each tournament since 1998. ==Records and statistics== Main article: FIFA World Cup records Two players share the record for playing in the most World Cups ; Mexico 's Antonio Carbajal (1950–1966) and Germany 's Lothar Matthäus (1982–1998) both played in five tournaments. [ 56 ] Matthäus has played the most World Cup matches overall, with 25 appearances. [ 57 ] West Germany 's Franz Beckenbauer (1966–1974) is the only player to be named to three Finals All-Star Teams . In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals. [ 58 ] This made Brazil 's Pelé the only player to have won three World Cup winners' medals (1958, 1962, and 1970, although he did not play in the 1962 final due to injury), [ 59 ] with 20 other players who have won two winners' medals . Six players have collected all three types of World Cup medals (winners', runner- ups', and third-place); five players were from West Germany 's squad of 1966–1974 including Franz Beckenbauer , and the most recent has been Italy's Franco Baresi (1982, 1990, 1994). The overall top goalscorer in World Cups is Brazil's Ronaldo , scorer of 15 goals (1998–2006). Germany's Miroslav Klose (2002–2010) and West Germany's Gerd Müller (1970–1974) are second, with 14 goals. [ 60 ] The fourth placed goalscorer, France 's Just Fontaine , holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup; all his 13 goals were scored in the 1958 tournament. [ 61 ] Brazil's Mário Zagallo and West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer are the only people to date to win the World Cup as both player and head coach. Zagallo won in 1958 and 1962 as a player and in 1970 as head coach. [ 62 ] Beckenbauer won in 1974 as captain and in 1990 as head coach. [ 63 ] Italy 's Vittorio Pozzo is the only head coach to ever win two World Cups (1934 and 1938). [ 64 ] All World Cup winning head coaches were natives of the country they coached to victory. Among the national teams, Germany have played the most World Cup matches, with 99, [ 65 ] while Brazil have scored the most World Cup goals, with 210. [ 66 ] The two teams have played each other only once in the World Cup, in the 2002 final . See also: All-time table of the Football World Cup ==See also== * National team appearances in the FIFA World Cup * FIFA Women's World Cup * List of other competitions named World Cup * 1980 Mundialito , a tournament held in Uruguay to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the World Cup * FIFA World Cup All-Time Team * FIFA World Cup Dream Team * FIFA World Cup official songs ==Notes and references== ↑ 1.0 1.1 "2006 FIFA World Cup broadcast wider, longer and farther than ever before" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/marketing/news/newsid=111247/index.html . Retrieved 11 October 2009 . ↑ "England National Football Team Match No. 1" . England Football Online . http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas1872-00/1872-73/M0001Sco1872.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "British PM backs return of Home Nations championship" . Agence France-Presse . http://www.soccerway.com/news/2007/November/22/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship . Retrieved 16 December 2007 . ↑ Elbech, Søren; Stokkermans, Karel (26 June 2008). "Intermediate Games of the IV. Olympiad" . rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation . http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1906f.html . ↑ "History of FIFA – FIFA takes shape" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa2.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "'The First World Cup'. The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy" . Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council . 10 October 2003. Archived from the original on 29 November 2003 . http://web.archive.org/web/20031129221811/http://www.shrewsbury.gov.uk/Public/news/thomaslipton.htm . Retrieved 11 April 2006 . ↑ "History of FIFA – More associations follow" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa3.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ Reyes, Macario (18 October 1999). "VII. Olympiad Antwerp 1920 Football Tournament" . rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation . http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1920f-det.html . Retrieved 10 June 2006 . ↑ "History of FIFA – The first FIFA World Cup" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 19 November 2007 . http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa4.html . ↑ Molinaro, John F. "Lucien Laurent: The World Cup's First Goal Scorer" . CBC . http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/laurent_lucien.html . Retrieved 6 May 2007 . ↑ "FIFA World Cup Origin" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "The Olympic Odyssey so far... (Part 1: 1908–1964)" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=512/edition=8229/news/newsid=92851.html . Retrieved 8 January 2008 . ↑ "Los datos más curiosos de la Fiesta del Fútbol - Brasil 1950 [The most curious of the Festival of Football - Brazil 1950]" (in Spanish). cristal.com . http://www.cristal.com.pe/articulo/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950 . Retrieved 17 April 2012 . ↑ "Scotland and the 1950 World Cup" . BBC . http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0001/index.shtml . Retrieved 13 May 2007 . ↑ Glanville ↑ Glanville , p45 ↑ Glanville , p238 ↑ Glanville , p359 ↑ "Record number of 204 teams enter preliminary competition" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 17 November 2007 . http://web.archive.org/web/20071117123621/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=122766.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "FIFA Women's World Cup" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/index.html . Retrieved 22 December 2007 . ↑ "Regulations Men's Olympic Football Tournament 2008" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf . Retrieved 22 December 2007 . ↑ "FIFA Confederations Cup" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/confederationcup/index.html . Retrieved 22 December 2007 . ↑ "Jules Rimet Trophy" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/julesrimettrophy.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "FIFA World Cup Trophy" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/trophies.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "FIFA Assets – Trophy" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 4 November 2007 . http://web.archive.org/web/20071104165903/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/trophy.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals" . ESPNSoccernet.com ( ESPN ). 25 November 2007 . http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716 . ↑ "World Cup 1966 winners honoured" . BBC Sport. 10 June 2009 . http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8093891.stm . ↑ "Jimmy Greaves finally gets his 1966 World Cup medal" . Mirror.co.uk (MGN) . http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/11/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367/ . ↑ "FIFA World Cup qualifying: Treasure-trove of the weird and wonderful" . FIFA . http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminarydraw/news/newsid=576440.html . Retrieved 23 December 2007 . ↑ "2010 World Cup Qualifying" . ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN). 26 November 2009 . http://soccernet.espn.go.com/print?id=468907&type=story&cc= . Retrieved 23 December 2009 . ↑ "History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/51/97/75/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf . ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Formats of the FIFA World Cup final competitions 1930–2010" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf . Retrieved 1 January 2008 . ↑ "FIFA World Cup: seeded teams 1930–2010" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/82/40/89/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf . ↑ Previously, due to there being fewer finals places and a bigger ratio of European finalists, there had been several occasions where three European teams were in a single group, for example, 1986 (West Germany, Scotland, and Denmark), 1990 (Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Austria), and 1994 (Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Norway). ( "History of the World Cup Final Draw" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf . ) ↑ This practice has been installed since the 1986 FIFA World Cup . In some cases during previous tournaments, for example, Argentina 6–0 Peru in Argentina 1978 and West Germany 1–0 Austria in Spain 1982 , teams that played the latter match were perceived to gain an unfair advantage by knowing the score of the earlier match, and subsequently obtaining a result that ensured advancement to the next stage . ( "1978 Argentina" . CBC . http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1978.html . ; "1982 Spain" . CBC . http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1982.html . ) ↑ "Regulations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association. p. 41 . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa%5fwc%5fsouth%5fafrica%5f2010%5fregulations%5fen%5f14123.pdf . Retrieved 21 June 2010 . ↑ "Uruguay 1930" . BBC Sport. 11 April 2002 . http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632201.stm . Retrieved 13 May 2006 . ↑ "France 1938" . BBC Sport. 17 April 2002 . http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632206.stm . Retrieved 13 May 2006 . ↑ "Asia takes World Cup center stage" . CNN. 3 June 2002 . http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/news/2002/06/03/au_asia_rb/ . Retrieved 1 January 2008 . ↑ "Brazil will stage 2014 World Cup" . BBC Sport. 10 October 2007 . http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7068848.stm . Retrieved 1 January 2008 . ↑ "Rotation ends in 2018" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 1 November 2007 . http://web.archive.org/web/20071101002817/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/administration/releases/newsid=625122.html . Retrieved 10 October 2007 . ↑ "Socceroos face major challenge: Hiddink" . ABC Sport . 10 December 2005. Archived from the original on 30 April 2006 . http://web.archive.org/web/20060430001531/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1528128.htm . Retrieved 13 May 2006 . ↑ "FIFA Assets – Mascots" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 4 November 2007 . http://web.archive.org/web/20071104232128/http://fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/mascots.html . Retrieved 19 November 2007 . ↑ "1930 FIFA World Cup" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=1/index.html . Retrieved 5 March 2009 . ↑ "1950 FIFA World Cup" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/overview.html . Retrieved 5 March 2009 . ↑ "FIFA World Cup Finals since 1930" (PDF). FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf . Retrieved 5 March 2009 . ↑ "1950 FIFA World Cup" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/teams/index.html . Retrieved 15 August 2011 . ↑ 48.0 48.1 FIFA considers that the national team of Russia succeeds the USSR , the national team of Serbia succeeds the Yugoslavia / Serbia and Montenegro , and the national team of Czech Republic succeeds the Czechoslovakia . ( "Russia" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=rus/index.html . ; "Serbia" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=srb/index.html . ; "Czech Republic" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cze/index.html . ). ↑ "Brazil" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html . ↑ Australia's qualification in 2006 was through the Oceanian zone as they were a member of the OFC member during qualifying. However, on 1 January 2006, they left the Oceania Football Confederation and joined the Asian Football Confederation . ↑ "FIFA World Cup awards" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf . Retrieved 5 March 2009 . ↑ " Template:Citation error ". Soccerway . 10 July 2006. ↑ "adidas Golden Shoe – FIFA World Cup Final" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association . http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/golden/award=gsa/idcup=17/pastcupawards.html . Retrieved 4 March 2009 . ↑ " Template:Citation error ". BBC Sport. 30 June 2002. ↑ Yannis, Alex (10 November 1999). New York Times . ↑ "World Cup Hall of Fame: Lothar Matthaeus" . CNN . http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/hof/matthaeus/ . Retrieved 23 December 2007 . ↑ ( "122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals" . ESPNSoccernet.com, (ESPN). 25 November 2007 . http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716 . ) ↑ Kirby, Gentry (5 July 2006). ESPN. ↑ Chowdhury, Saj (27 June 2006). "Ronaldo's riposte" . BBC Sport . http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/brazil/5112982.stm . Retrieved 23 December 2007 . ↑ "Goal machine was Just superb" . BBC Sport. 4 April 2002 . http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/france/newsid_1752000/1752740.stm . Retrieved 23 December 2007 . ↑ Hughes, Rob (11 March 1998). "No Alternative to Victory for National Coach : 150 Million Brazilians Keep Heat on Zagalo" . International Herald Tribune . Archived from the original on 26 February 2008 . http://web.archive.org/web/20080226063509/http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/03/11/soccer.t_7.php . Retrieved 31 December 2007 . ↑ Brewin, John (21 December 2007). "World Cup Legends – Franz Beckenbauer" . ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN) . http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/worldcup/editorial/legends_beckenbauer.html . Retrieved 31 December 2007 . ↑ "1938 France" . CBC . http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1938.html . Retrieved 31 December 2007 . ↑ "Germany move ahead of Brazil" . FIFA.com . Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010 . http://web.archive.org/web/20100709063123/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1269182/index.html ? . Retrieved 6 July 2010 . ↑ "Planet World Cup – All time table" . Planet World Cup . http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/maraton.html . Retrieved 26 January 2008 . ==Bibliography== Glanville, Brian (2005). The Story of the World Cup . Faber. p. 44. ISBN 0-571-22944-1 . ==External links== * FIFA World Cup official site * Previous FIFA World Cups Template:FIFA World Cup winners Template:FIFA World Cup {{{header}}} {{{body}}} {{{header}}} {{{body}}} {{{header}}} {{{body}}} {{{header}}} {{{body}}}
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The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War. The current champions are Spain, who won the 2010 tournament. The current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month; this phase is often called the World Cup Finals. A qualification phase, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s). The 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams. Brazil have won five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are Italy, with four titles; Germany, with three titles; Argentina and inaugural winners Uruguay, with two titles each; and England, France, and Spain, with one title each. The World Cup is the world's most widely viewed sporting event; an estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in [Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Germany "Germany").[\[1\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1) The next three World Cups will be hosted by [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil") in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022. \==History== Main article: History of the FIFA World Cup \===Previous international competitions=== The world's first international football match was a challenge match played in Glasgow in 1872 between Scotland and England,[\[2\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2) which ended in a 0–0 draw. The first international tournament, the inaugural edition of the British Home Championship, took place in 1884.[\[3\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-3) As football grew in popularity in other parts of the world at the turn of the 20th century, it was held as a demonstration sport with no medals awarded at the 1900 and 1904 Summer Olympics (however, the IOC has retroactively upgraded their status to official events), and at the 1906 Intercalated Games.[\[4\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-4) After [FIFA](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA "FIFA") was founded in 1904, it tried to arrange an international football tournament between nations outside the Olympic framework in Switzerland in 1906. These were very early days for international football, and the official history of FIFA describes the competition as having been a failure.[\[5\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-5) At the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, football became an official competition. Planned by The Football Association (FA), England's football governing body, the event was for amateur players only and was regarded suspiciously as a show rather than a competition. Great Britain (represented by the England national amateur football team) won the gold medals. They repeated the feat in 1912 in Stockholm. With the Olympic event continuing to be contested only between amateur teams, Sir Thomas Lipton organised the [Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Sir_Thomas_Lipton_Trophy "Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy") tournament in [Turin](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Turin "Turin") in 1909. The Lipton tournament was a championship between individual clubs (not national teams) from different nations, each one of which represented an entire nation. The competition is sometimes described as The First World Cup,[\[6\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-6) and featured the most prestigious professional club sides from Italy, Germany and Switzerland, but the FA of England refused to be associated with the competition and declined the offer to send a professional team. Lipton invited [West Auckland](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/West_Auckland_Town_F.C. "West Auckland Town F.C."), an amateur side from County Durham, to represent England instead. West Auckland won the tournament and returned in 1911 to successfully defend their title. In 1914, FIFA agreed to recognise the Olympic tournament as a "world football championship for amateurs", and took responsibility for managing the event.[\[7\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-7) This paved the way for the world's first intercontinental football competition, at the 1920 Summer Olympics, contested by Egypt and thirteen European teams, and won by Belgium.[\[8\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-8) Uruguay won the next two Olympic football tournaments in 1924 and 1928. Those were also the first two open world championships, as 1924 was the start of FIFA's professional era. [File:Estadiocentenario.JPG](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Estadiocentenario.JPG "File:Estadiocentenario.JPG") Estadio Centenario, the location of the first World Cup final in 1930 in [Montevideo](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Montevideo "Montevideo"), Uruguay Due to the success of the Olympic football tournaments, FIFA, with President [Jules Rimet](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Jules_Rimet "Jules Rimet") the driving force, again started looking at staging its own international tournament outside of the Olympics. On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam decided to stage a world championship itself.[\[9\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-9) With Uruguay now two-time official football world champions and to celebrate their centenary of independence in 1930, FIFA named Uruguay as the host country of the inaugural World Cup tournament. The national associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet eventually persuaded teams from Belgium, France, Romania, and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In total thirteen nations took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America. The first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously on 13 July 1930, and were won by France and USA, who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0 respectively. The first goal in World Cup history was scored by Lucien Laurent of France.[\[10\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-10) In the final, Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in [Montevideo](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Montevideo "Montevideo"), and in doing so became the first nation to win the World Cup.[\[11\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-origin-11) \===World Cups before World War II=== After the creation of the World Cup, the 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, did not plan to include football as part of the schedule due to the low popularity of the sport in the United States, as American football had been growing in popularity. FIFA and the IOC also disagreed over the status of amateur players, and so football was dropped from the Games.[\[12\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-12) Olympic football returned at the 1936 Summer Olympics, but was now overshadowed by the more prestigious World Cup. The issues facing the early World Cup tournaments were the difficulties of intercontinental travel, and war. Few South American teams were willing to travel to Europe for the 1934 and 1938 tournaments, with Brazil the only South American team to compete in both. The 1942 and 1946 competitions, which Nazi Germany and [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil") sought to host,[\[13\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-13) were cancelled due to World War II and its aftermath. \===World Cups after World War II=== The 1950 World Cup, held in [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil"), was the first to include British participants. British teams withdrew from FIFA in 1920, partly out of unwillingness to play against the countries they had been at war with, and partly as a protest against foreign influence on football,[\[14\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-14) but rejoined in 1946 following FIFA's invitation.[\[15\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-15) The tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions Uruguay, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups. Uruguay won the tournament again after defeating the host nation Brazil, in the match called "Maracanazo" (Portuguese: Maracanaço). [Map of countries' best results](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=World_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts.PNG "File:World cup countries best results and hosts.PNG") Map of countries' best results In the tournaments between 1934 and 1978, 16 teams competed in each tournament, except in 1938, when Austria was absorbed into Germany after qualifying, leaving the tournament with 15 teams, and in 1950, when India, Scotland and Turkey withdrew, leaving the tournament with 13 teams.[\[16\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-16) Most of the participating nations were from Europe and South America, with a small minority from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. These teams were usually defeated easily by the European and South American teams. Until 1982, the only teams from outside Europe and South America to advance out of the first round were: USA, semi-finalists in 1930; Cuba, quarter-finalists in 1938; Korea DPR, quarter-finalists in 1966; and Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1970. \===Expansion to 32 teams=== The tournament was expanded to 24 teams in 1982,[\[17\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-17) and then to 32 in 1998,[\[18\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-18) also allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part. Since then, teams from these regions have enjoyed more success, with several having reached the quarter-finals: Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1986; Cameroon, quarter-finalists in 1990; Korea Republic, finishing in fourth place in 2002; Senegal, along with USA, both quarter-finalists in 2002; and Ghana as quarter-finalists in 2010. Nevertheless, European and South American teams continue to dominate, e.g., the quarter-finalists in 1994, 1998 and 2006 were all from Europe or South America. Two hundred teams entered the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds; 198 nations attempted to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, while a record 204 countries entered qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[\[19\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-19) \===Other FIFA tournaments=== An equivalent tournament for women's football, the FIFA Women's World Cup, was first held in 1991 in the People's Republic of China.[\[20\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-20) The women's tournament is smaller in scale and profile than the men's, but is growing; the number of entrants for the 2007 tournament was 120, more than double that of 1991. Football has been included in every Summer Olympic Games except 1896 and 1932. Unlike many other sports, the men's football tournament at the Olympics is not a top-level tournament, and since 1992, an under-23 tournament with each team allowed three over-age players.[\[21\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-21) Women's football made its Olympic debut in 1996, and is contested between full national sides with no age restrictions. The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament held one year before the World Cup at the World Cup host nation(s) as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup champion and the host country.[\[22\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-22) FIFA also organises international tournaments for youth football (FIFA U-20 World Cup, FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup), club football ([FIFA Club World Cup](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_Club_World_Cup "FIFA Club World Cup")), and football variants such as futsal (FIFA Futsal World Cup) and beach soccer (FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup). Since the 2010 edition, the U-20 Women's World Cup has played the same role in women's football as the Confederations Cup plays in the men's game. When the U-20 Women's World Cup is held the year before the Women's World Cup, both tournaments are awarded in a single bidding process, with the U-20 tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the larger competition. \==Trophy== Main article: FIFA World Cup Trophy [File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg "File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg") The FIFA World Cup Trophy on a German stamp From 1930 to 1970, the Jules Rimet Trophy was awarded to the World Cup winner. It was originally simply known as the World Cup or Coupe du Monde, but in 1946 it was renamed after the FIFA president [Jules Rimet](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Jules_Rimet "Jules Rimet") who set up the first tournament. In 1970, Brazil's third victory in the tournament entitled them to keep the trophy permanently. However, the trophy was stolen in 1983, and has never been recovered, apparently melted down by the thieves.[\[23\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-23) After 1970, a new trophy, known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy, was designed. The experts of FIFA, coming from seven different countries, evaluated the 53 presented models, finally opting for the work of the Italian designer Silvio Gazzaniga. The new trophy is 36 cm (14.2 in) high, made of solid 18 carat (75%) gold and weighs 6.175 kg (13.6 lb). The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite while the bottom side of the trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974. The description of the trophy by Gazzaniga was: "The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory."[\[24\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-24) This new trophy is not awarded to the winning nation permanently. World Cup winners retain the trophy until the next tournament and are awarded a gold-plated replica rather than the solid gold original.[\[25\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-25) At the present, all members (players, coaches, and managers) of the top three teams receive medals with an insignia of the World Cup Trophy; winners' (gold), runner-ups' (silver), and third-place (bronze). In the 2002 edition, fourth-place medals were awarded to hosts South Korea. Prior to the 1978 tournament, medals were only awarded to the eleven players on the pitch at the end of the final and the third-place match. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\[26\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-espnheroes-26)[\[27\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-27)[\[28\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-28) ## Format\[ \] \===Qualification=== Main article: FIFA World Cup qualification Since the second World Cup in 1934, qualifying tournaments have been held to thin the field for the final tournament.[\[29\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-29) They are held within the six FIFA continental zones ([Africa](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Confederation_of_African_Football "Confederation of African Football"), [Asia](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation"), [North and Central America and Caribbean](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONCACAF "CONCACAF"), [South America](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONMEBOL "CONMEBOL"), [Oceania](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Oceania_Football_Confederation "Oceania Football Confederation"), and [Europe](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/UEFA "UEFA")), overseen by their respective confederations. For each tournament, FIFA decides the number of places awarded to each of the continental zones beforehand, generally based on the relative strength of the confederations' teams. The qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental play-offs. For example, the winner of the Oceanian zone and the fifth-placed team from the Asian zone entered a play-off for a spot in the 2010 World Cup.[\[30\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-30) From the 1938 World Cup onwards, host nations received automatic qualification to the final tournament. This right was also granted to the defending champions between 1938 and 2002, but was withdrawn from the 2006 FIFA World Cup onward, requiring the champions to qualify. Brazil, winners in 2002, were the first defending champions to play qualifying matches.[\[31\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-31) \===Final tournament=== For the various formats used in previous tournaments, see History of the FIFA World Cup\#Format of each final tournament. The current final tournament features 32 national teams competing over a month in the host nation(s). There are two stages: the group stage followed by the knockout stage.[\[32\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32) In the group stage, teams compete within eight groups of four teams each. Eight teams are seeded, including the hosts, with the other seeded teams selected using a formula based on the FIFA World Rankings and/or performances in recent World Cups, and drawn to separate groups.[\[33\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-33) The other teams are assigned to different "pots", usually based on geographical criteria, and teams in each pot are drawn at random to the eight groups. Since 1998, constraints have been applied to the draw to ensure that no group contains more than two European teams or more than one team from any other confederation.[\[34\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-34) Each group plays a round-robin tournament, in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams.[\[35\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-35) The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since 1994, three points have been awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points). The ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:[\[36\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-36) \# Greatest number of points in group matches \# Greatest goal difference in group matches \# Greatest number of goals scored in group matches \# If more than one team remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined as follows: \## Greatest number of points in head-to-head matches among those teams \## Greatest goal difference in head-to-head matches among those teams \## Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among those teams \# If any of the teams above remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined by the drawing of lots The knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 16 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the third-place match (contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final.[\[32\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32) \==Hosts== Main article: FIFA World Cup hosts \===Selection process=== Template:Wikinews Early World Cups were given to countries at meetings of FIFA's congress. The locations were controversial because South America and Europe were by far the two centres of strength in football and travel between them required three weeks by boat. The decision to hold the first World Cup in Uruguay, for example, led to only four European nations competing.[\[37\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-37) The next two World Cups were both held in Europe. The decision to hold the second of these in France was disputed, as the South American countries understood that the location would alternate between the two continents. Both Argentina and Uruguay thus boycotted the 1938 FIFA World Cup.[\[38\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-38) Since the 1958 FIFA World Cup, to avoid future boycotts or controversy, FIFA began a pattern of alternating the hosts between the Americas and Europe, which continued until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan, was the first one held in Asia, and the only tournament with multiple hosts.[\[39\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-39) South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup in 2010. The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, the first held in South America since 1978,[\[40\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-40) and will be the first occasion where consecutive World Cups are held outside Europe. The host country is now chosen in a vote by FIFA's Executive Committee. This is done under an exhaustive ballot system. The national football association of a country desiring to host the event receives a "Hosting Agreement" from FIFA, which explains the steps and requirements that are expected from a strong bid. The bidding association also receives a form, the submission of which represents the official confirmation of the candidacy. After this, a FIFA designated group of inspectors visit the country to identify that the country meets the requirements needed to host the event and a report on the country is produced. The decision on who will host the World Cup is usually made six or seven years in advance of the tournament. However, there have been occasions where the hosts of multiple future tournaments were announced at the same time, as was the case for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively. For the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the final tournament is rotated between confederations, allowing only countries from the chosen confederation (Africa in 2010, South America in 2014) to bid to host the tournament. The rotation policy was introduced after the controversy surrounding Germany's victory over South Africa in the vote to host the 2006 tournament. However, the policy of continental rotation will not continue beyond 2014, so any country, except those belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments, can apply as hosts for World Cups starting from 2018.[\[41\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-41) This is partly to avoid a similar scenario to the bidding process for the 2014 tournament, where Brazil was the only official bidder. \===Performances=== See also: Results of host nations in the FIFA World Cup Six of the eight champions have won one of their titles while playing in their own homeland, the exceptions being Brazil, who finished as runners-up after losing the deciding match on home soil in 1950, and Spain, which reached the second round on home soil in 1982. England (1966) and France (1998) won their only titles while playing as host nations. Uruguay (1930), Italy (1934) and Argentina (1978) won their first titles as host nations but have gone on to win again, while Germany (1974) won their second title on home soil. Other nations have also been successful when hosting the tournament. Sweden (runners-up in 1958), Chile (third place in 1962), Korea Republic (fourth place in 2002), and Mexico (quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986) all have their best results when serving as hosts. So far, South Africa (2010) was the only host nation to fail to advance beyond the first round. \==Organisation and media coverage== See also: List of FIFA World Cup broadcasters The World Cup was first televised in 1954 and is now the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Olympic Games. The cumulative audience of all matches of the 2006 World Cup is estimated to be 26.29 billion.[\[1\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1) 715.1 million individuals watched the final match of this tournament (a ninth of the entire population of the planet). The 2006 World Cup draw, which decided the distribution of teams into groups, was watched by 300 million viewers.[\[42\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-42) Each FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own mascot or logo. World Cup Willie, the mascot for the 1966 competition, was the first World Cup mascot.[\[43\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-43) Recent World Cups have also featured official match balls specially designed for each World Cup. \===Attendance=== See also: List of sports attendance figures {\\| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;" \\|- !Year & Host !Total Attendance !\# Matches !Avg Attendance \\|- \\|[Uruguay](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg "File:Flag of Uruguay.svg") 1930\\|\\|434,500\\|\\|18\\|\\|24,139 \\|- \\|[Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\(1861-1946\).svg "File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg") 1934\\|\\|358,000\\|\\|17\\|\\|21,059 \\|- \\|[France](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") 1938\\|\\|483,000 \\|\\|18\\|\\|26,833 \\|- \\|[Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg "File:Flag of Brazil.svg") 1950\\|\\|1,043,500\\|\\|22\\|\\|47,432 \\|- \\|[Switzerland](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg "File:Flag of Switzerland.svg") 1954\\|\\| 889,500 \\|\\|26\\|\\| 34,212 \\|- \\|[Sweden](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg "File:Flag of Sweden.svg") 1958\\|\\| 919,580 \\|\\|35\\|\\| 26,274 \\|- \\|[Chile](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg "File:Flag of Chile.svg") 1962\\|\\| 899,074 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 28,096 \\|- \\|[England](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg "File:Flag of England.svg") 1966\\|\\| 1,635,000 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 51,094 \\|- \\|[Mexico](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") 1970\\|\\| 1,603,975 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 50,124 \\|- \\|[West Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") 1974\\|\\| 1,774,022 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 46,685 \\|- \\|[Argentina](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg "File:Flag of Argentina.svg") 1978\\|\\| 1,546,151 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 40,688 \\|- \\|[Spain](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg "File:Flag of Spain.svg") 1982\\|\\| 2,109,723\\|\\|52\\|\\| 40,572 \\|- \\|[Mexico](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") 1986\\|\\| 2,393,031 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 46,020 \\|- \\|[Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg "File:Flag of Italy.svg") 1990\\|\\| 2,516,348 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 48,391 \\|- \\|[United States](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg "File:Flag of the United States.svg") 1994\\|\\| 3,587,538 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 68,991 \\|- \\|[France](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") 1998\\|\\| 2,785,100 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 43,517 \\|- \\|[Japan](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg "File:Flag of Japan.svg")[South Korea](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg "File:Flag of South Korea.svg") 2002\\|\\| 2,705,197 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 42,269 \\|- \\|[Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") 2006\\|\\| 3,359,439 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 52,491 \\|- \\|[South Africa](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg "File:Flag of South Africa.svg") 2010\\|\\| 3,178,856 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 49,670 \\|} ==Results== See also: List of FIFA World Cup finals {\\| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%" \\|- !width=5%\\|Year !width=10%\\|Host !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\| !width=14%\\|Winners !width=10%\\|Score !width=14%\\|Runners-up !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\| !width=14%\\|Third place !width=10%\\|Score !width=14%\\|Fourth place !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\| !width=4%\\|Number of teams \\|- \\|1930 Details \\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg "File:Flag of Uruguay.svg") Uruguay \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|[\[note 1\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-45) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|13 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1934 Details \\|[File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\(1861-1946\).svg "File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg") [Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Italy "Italy") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1938 Details \\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") France \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16/15 [\[note 2\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-46) \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1950 Details \\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg "File:Flag of Brazil.svg") [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|[\[note 3\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|[\[note 3\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16/13 [\[note 4\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-51) \\|- \\|1954 Details \\|[File:Flag of Switzerland.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg "File:Flag of Switzerland.svg") [Switzerland](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Switzerland "Switzerland") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1958 Details \\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg "File:Flag of Sweden.svg") Sweden \\|Template:Fb-big \\|5–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|6–3 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1962 Details \\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg "File:Flag of Chile.svg") Chile \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1966 Details \\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg "File:Flag of England.svg") [England](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/England "England") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1970 Details \\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") Mexico \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1974 Details \\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") West Germany \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1978 Details \\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg "File:Flag of Argentina.svg") Argentina \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1982 Details \\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg "File:Flag of Spain.svg") Spain \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- \\|1986 Details \\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") Mexico \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1990 Details \\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg "File:Flag of Italy.svg") [Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Italy "Italy") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- \\|1994 Details \\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg "File:Flag of the United States.svg") United States \\|Template:Fb-big \\|0–0 (3–2p) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1998 Details \\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") France \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- \\|2002 Details \\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg "File:Flag of South Korea.svg") South Korea & [File:Flag of Japan.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg "File:Flag of Japan.svg") [Japan](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Japan "Japan") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|2006 Details \\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") [Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Germany "Germany") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–1 (5–3p) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- \\|2010 Details \\|[File:Flag of South Africa.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg "File:Flag of South Africa.svg") South Africa \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- \\|} \*aet: after extra time \*p: after penalty shoot-out Notes [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-45) There was no official World Cup Third Place match in 1930; The United States and Yugoslavia lost in the semi-finals. FIFA now recognises the United States as the third-placed team and Yugoslavia as the fourth-placed team, using the overall records of the teams in the tournament.[\[44\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-44) [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-46) Austria withdrew after the draw as a result of the Anschluss with Germany: some Austrian players subsequently joined the German squad, leaving the tournament with 15 teams. ↑ [3\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-0) [3\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-1) There was no official World Cup final match in 1950.[\[45\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-47) The tournament winner was decided by a final round-robin group contested by four teams (Uruguay, Brazil, Sweden, and Spain). Coincidentally, one of the last two matches of the tournament pitted the two top ranked teams against each other, with Uruguay's 2–1 victory over Brazil thus often being considered as the de facto final of the 1950 World Cup.[\[46\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-48) Likewise, the game between the lowest ranked teams, played at the same time as Uruguay vs Brazil, can be considered equal to a Third Place match, with Sweden's 3–1 victory over Spain ensuring that they finished third. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-51) Only 13 teams played the 1950 FIFA World Cup.[\[47\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-50) 16 teams entered the seeding groups draw. However, Turkey and Scotland both withdrew before the draw; France (eliminated in qualifying) was invited as a replacement, leaving the tournament to be held with 15 teams. After the draw, India and France both withdrew, so only 13 teams participated in the tournament. In all, 76 nations have played in at least one World Cup.[\[48\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52) Of these, eight national teams have won the World Cup, and they have added stars to their badges, with each star representing a World Cup victory. (However, Uruguay are an exception to this unwritten rule; they choose to display four stars on their badge, representing their two gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics and their two World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950). With five titles, Brazil are the most successful World Cup team and also the only nation to have played in every World Cup (19) to date,[\[49\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-53) and they will host the 20th in 2014. Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) are the only nations to have won consecutive titles. West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002) are the only nations to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Germany have made the most top-four finishes, with twelve, while sharing the record of most top-two finishes with Brazil, with seven. \===Teams reaching the top four=== See also: FIFA World Cup comprehensive team results by tournament {\\| class="wikitable sortable" \\|- ! Team !! Titles !! Runners-up !! Third place !! Fourth place !! Total finishes in top four \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg "File:Flag of Brazil.svg") Brazil \\|5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) \\|2 (1950[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1998) \\|2 (1938, 1978) \\|1 (1974) \\|10 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg "File:Flag of Italy.svg") Italy \\|4 (1934[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1938, 1982, 2006) \\|2 (1970, 1994) \\|1 (1990[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|1 (1978) \\|8 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") Germany[^](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#2) \\|3 (1954, 1974[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1990) \\|4 (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002) \\|4 (1934, 1970, 2006\, 2010) \\|1 (1958) \\|12 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg "File:Flag of Argentina.svg") Argentina \\|2 (1978[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1986) \\|2 (1930, 1990) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|4 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg "File:Flag of Uruguay.svg") Uruguay \\|2 (1930[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1950) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|3 (1954, 1970, 2010) \\|5 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") France \\|1 (1998[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|1 (2006) \\|2 (1958, 1986) \\|1 (1982) \\|5 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg "File:Flag of England.svg") England \\|1 (1966[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1990) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg "File:Flag of Spain.svg") Spain \\|1 (2010) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1950) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg "File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg") Netherlands \\|align=center\\| — \\|3 (1974, 1978, 2010) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1998) \\|4 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Czechoslovakia.svg "File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg") Czechoslovakia[\#](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#3) \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1934, 1962) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Hungary.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Hungary.svg "File:Flag of Hungary.svg") Hungary \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1938, 1954) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg "File:Flag of Sweden.svg") Sweden \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1958[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|2 (1950, 1994) \\|1 (1938) \\|4 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Poland.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Poland.svg "File:Flag of Poland.svg") Poland \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1974, 1982) \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Austria.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Austria.svg "File:Flag of Austria.svg") Austria \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1954) \\|1 (1934) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Portugal.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Portugal.svg "File:Flag of Portugal.svg") Portugal \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1966) \\|1 (2006) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg "File:Flag of the United States.svg") United States \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1930) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg "File:Flag of Chile.svg") Chile \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1962[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Croatia.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Croatia.svg "File:Flag of Croatia.svg") Croatia \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1998) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Turkey.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Turkey.svg "File:Flag of Turkey.svg") Turkey \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (2002) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_SFR_Yugoslavia.svg "File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg") Yugoslavia[\#](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#3) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1930, 1962) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union.svg "File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg") Soviet Union[\#](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#3) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1966) \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Belgium_\(civil\).svg "File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg") Belgium \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1986) \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Bulgaria.svg "File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg") Bulgaria \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1994) \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg "File:Flag of South Korea.svg") South Korea \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (2002[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|1 \\|} : \ = hosts* : ^ = includes results representing West Germany between 1954 and 1990 : \# = states that have since split into two or more independent nations[\[48\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52) \===Best performances by continental zones=== See also: FIFA World Cup results by confederation To date, the final of the World Cup has only been contested by [European](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/UEFA "UEFA") and [South American](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONMEBOL "CONMEBOL") teams. European nations have won ten titles; South American teams have won nine. Only two teams from outside these two continents have ever reached the semi-finals of the competition: USA ([North, Central America and Caribbean](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONCACAF "CONCACAF")) in 1930 and Korea Republic ([Asia](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation")) who reached the semis in 2002. The best result of an [African](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Confederation_of_African_Football "Confederation of African Football") team is reaching the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Only one [Oceanian](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Oceania_Football_Confederation "Oceania Football Confederation") qualifier, Australia in 2006, has advanced to the second round.[\[50\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-54) Brazil, Argentina, and Spain are the only teams to win a World Cup outside their continental confederation; Brazil came out victorious in [Europe](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/UEFA "UEFA") (1958), [North America](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONCACAF "CONCACAF") (1970 and 1994) and [Asia](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation") (2002), Argentina won a North American World Cup in 1986, while Spain won the only African World Cup in 2010. Only on three occasions have consecutive World Cups been won by teams from the same continent – Italy and Brazil successfully defended their titles in 1938 and 1962 respectively, while Spain's 2010 triumph followed Italy's in 2006. \==Awards== Main article: FIFA World Cup awards At the end of each World Cup, awards are presented to the players and teams for accomplishments other than their final team positions in the tournament. There are currently six awards:[\[51\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-55) \The Golden Ball* for the best player, determined by a vote of media members (first awarded in 1982); the Silver Ball and the Bronze Ball are awarded to the players finishing second and third in the voting respectively;[\[52\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-56) \The Golden Boot* (sometimes called the Golden Shoe) for the top goalscorer (first awarded in 1982, but retrospectively applied to all tournaments from 1930); most recently, the Silver Boot and the Bronze Boot have been awarded to the second and third top goalscorers respectively;[\[53\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-57) \The Golden Glove Award* (formerly the Yashin Award) for the best goalkeeper, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 1994);[\[54\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-58) \The Best Young Player Award* for the best player aged 21 or younger at the start of the calendar year, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 2006).[\[55\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-RSSSF_FIFA_awards-59) \The FIFA Fair Play Trophy* for the team with the best record of fair play, according to the points system and criteria established by the FIFA Fair Play Committee (first awarded in 1978);[\[55\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-RSSSF_FIFA_awards-59) \The Most Entertaining Team* for the team that has entertained the public the most during the World Cup, determined by a poll of the general public (first awarded in 1994);[\[55\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-RSSSF_FIFA_awards-59) An All-Star Team consisting of the best players of the tournament has also been announced for each tournament since 1998. \==Records and statistics== Main article: FIFA World Cup records Two players share the record for playing in the most World Cups; Mexico's Antonio Carbajal (1950–1966) and Germany's Lothar Matthäus (1982–1998) both played in five tournaments.[\[56\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-60) Matthäus has played the most World Cup matches overall, with 25 appearances.[\[57\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-61) West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer (1966–1974) is the only player to be named to three Finals All-Star Teams. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\[58\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-62) This made Brazil's [Pelé](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Pel%C3%A9 "Pelé") the only player to have won three World Cup winners' medals (1958, 1962, and 1970, although he did not play in the 1962 final due to injury),[\[59\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-63) with 20 other players who have won two winners' medals. Six players have collected all three types of World Cup medals (winners', runner- ups', and third-place); five players were from West Germany's squad of 1966–1974 including Franz Beckenbauer, and the most recent has been Italy's Franco Baresi (1982, 1990, 1994). The overall top goalscorer in World Cups is Brazil's Ronaldo, scorer of 15 goals (1998–2006). Germany's Miroslav Klose (2002–2010) and West Germany's Gerd Müller (1970–1974) are second, with 14 goals.[\[60\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-64) The fourth placed goalscorer, France's Just Fontaine, holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup; all his 13 goals were scored in the 1958 tournament.[\[61\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-65) Brazil's Mário Zagallo and West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer are the only people to date to win the World Cup as both player and head coach. Zagallo won in 1958 and 1962 as a player and in 1970 as head coach.[\[62\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-66) Beckenbauer won in 1974 as captain and in 1990 as head coach.[\[63\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-67) Italy's Vittorio Pozzo is the only head coach to ever win two World Cups (1934 and 1938).[\[64\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-68) All World Cup winning head coaches were natives of the country they coached to victory. Among the national teams, Germany have played the most World Cup matches, with 99,[\[65\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-69) while Brazil have scored the most World Cup goals, with 210.[\[66\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-70) The two teams have played each other only once in the World Cup, in the 2002 final. See also: All-time table of the Football World Cup \==See also== \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| [Book icon](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Office-book.svg "File:Office-book.svg") \| Book: FIFA World Cup \| \| Wikipedia books are collections of articles that can be downloaded or ordered in print. \| \| \* National team appearances in the FIFA World Cup \* FIFA Women's World Cup \* List of other competitions named World Cup \* 1980 Mundialito, a tournament held in Uruguay to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the World Cup \* FIFA World Cup All-Time Team \* FIFA World Cup Dream Team \* FIFA World Cup official songs ==Notes and references== 1. ↑ [1\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-0) [1\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-1) ["2006 FIFA World Cup broadcast wider, longer and farther than ever before"](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/marketing/news/newsid=111247/index.html). FIFA.com. [Fédération Internationale de Football Association](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA "FIFA"). <http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/marketing/news/newsid=111247/index.html>. Retrieved 11 October 2009. 2. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2) ["England National Football Team Match No. 1"](http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas1872-00/1872-73/M0001Sco1872.html). England Football Online. <http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas1872-00/1872-73/M0001Sco1872.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 3. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-3) ["British PM backs return of Home Nations championship"](http://www.soccerway.com/news/2007/November/22/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship). Agence France-Presse. <http://www.soccerway.com/news/2007/November/22/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship>. Retrieved 16 December 2007. 4. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-4) Elbech, Søren; Stokkermans, Karel (26 June 2008). ["Intermediate Games of the IV. Olympiad"](http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1906f.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1906f.html>. 5. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-5) ["History of FIFA – FIFA takes shape"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa2.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa2.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 6. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-6) ["'The First World Cup'. The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy"](http://web.archive.org/web/20031129221811/http://www.shrewsbury.gov.uk/Public/news/thomaslipton.htm). Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council. 10 October 2003. Archived from [the original](http://www.shrewsbury.gov.uk/Public/news/thomaslipton.htm) on 29 November 2003. <http://web.archive.org/web/20031129221811/http://www.shrewsbury.gov.uk/Public/news/thomaslipton.htm>. Retrieved 11 April 2006. 7. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-7) ["History of FIFA – More associations follow"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa3.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa3.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 8. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-8) Reyes, Macario (18 October 1999). ["VII. Olympiad Antwerp 1920 Football Tournament"](http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1920f-det.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1920f-det.html>. Retrieved 10 June 2006. 9. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-9) ["History of FIFA – The first FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa4.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 19 November 2007. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa4.html>. 10. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-10) Molinaro, John F. ["Lucien Laurent: The World Cup's First Goal Scorer"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/laurent_lucien.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/laurent_lucien.html>. Retrieved 6 May 2007. 11. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-origin_11-0) ["FIFA World Cup Origin"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 12. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-12) ["The Olympic Odyssey so far... (Part 1: 1908–1964)"](http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=512/edition=8229/news/newsid=92851.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=512/edition=8229/news/newsid=92851.html>. Retrieved 8 January 2008. 13. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-13) ["Los datos más curiosos de la Fiesta del Fútbol - Brasil 1950 \[The most curious of the Festival of Football - Brazil 1950\]"](http://www.cristal.com.pe/articulo/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950) (in Spanish). cristal.com. <http://www.cristal.com.pe/articulo/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950>. Retrieved 17 April 2012. 14. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-14) ["Scotland and the 1950 World Cup"](http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0001/index.shtml). BBC. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0001/index.shtml>. Retrieved 13 May 2007. 15. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-15) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville) 16. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-16) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p45 17. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-17) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p238 18. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-18) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p359 19. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-19) ["Record number of 204 teams enter preliminary competition"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071117123621/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=122766.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=122766.html#record+number+teams+enter+preliminary+competition) on 17 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071117123621/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=122766.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 20. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-20) ["FIFA Women's World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 21. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-21) ["Regulations Men's Olympic Football Tournament 2008"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf>. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 22. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-22) ["FIFA Confederations Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/confederationcup/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/confederationcup/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 23. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-23) ["Jules Rimet Trophy"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/julesrimettrophy.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/julesrimettrophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 24. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-24) ["FIFA World Cup Trophy"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/trophies.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/trophies.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 25. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-25) ["FIFA Assets – Trophy"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071104165903/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/trophy.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/trophy.html) on 4 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071104165903/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/trophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 26. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-espnheroes_26-0) ["122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716). ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716>. 27. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-27) ["World Cup 1966 winners honoured"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8093891.stm). BBC Sport. 10 June 2009. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8093891.stm>. 28. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-28) ["Jimmy Greaves finally gets his 1966 World Cup medal"](http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/11/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367/). Mirror.co.uk (MGN). <http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/11/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367/>. 29. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-29) ["FIFA World Cup qualifying: Treasure-trove of the weird and wonderful"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminarydraw/news/newsid=576440.html). FIFA. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminarydraw/news/newsid=576440.html>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 30. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-30) ["2010 World Cup Qualifying"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=). ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN). 26 November 2009. <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=>. Retrieved 23 December 2009. 31. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-31) ["History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/51/97/75/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/51/97/75/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf>. 32. ↑ [32\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-0) [32\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-1) ["Formats of the FIFA World Cup final competitions 1930–2010"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf>. Retrieved 1 January 2008. 33. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-33) ["FIFA World Cup: seeded teams 1930–2010"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/82/40/89/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/82/40/89/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf>. 34. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-34) Previously, due to there being fewer finals places and a bigger ratio of European finalists, there had been several occasions where three European teams were in a single group, for example, 1986 (West Germany, Scotland, and Denmark), 1990 (Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Austria), and 1994 (Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Norway). (["History of the World Cup Final Draw"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf>.) 35. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-35) This practice has been installed since the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In some cases during previous tournaments, for example, Argentina 6–0 Peru in Argentina 1978 and West Germany 1–0 Austria in Spain 1982, teams that played the latter match were perceived to gain an unfair advantage by knowing the score of the earlier match, and subsequently obtaining a result that ensured advancement to the next stage. (["1978 Argentina"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1978.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1978.html>.; ["1982 Spain"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1982.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1982.html>.) 36. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-36) ["Regulations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. p. 41. [http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa%5fwc%5fsouth%5fafrica%5f2010%5fregulations%5fen%5f14123.pdf](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf). Retrieved 21 June 2010. 37. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-37) ["Uruguay 1930"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632201.stm). BBC Sport. 11 April 2002. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632201.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006. 38. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-38) ["France 1938"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632206.stm). BBC Sport. 17 April 2002. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632206.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006. 39. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-39) ["Asia takes World Cup center stage"](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/news/2002/06/03/au_asia_rb/). CNN. 3 June 2002. <http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/news/2002/06/03/au_asia_rb/>. Retrieved 1 January 2008. 40. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-40) ["Brazil will stage 2014 World Cup"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7068848.stm). BBC Sport. 10 October 2007. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7068848.stm>. Retrieved 1 January 2008. 41. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-41) ["Rotation ends in 2018"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071101002817/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/administration/releases/newsid=625122.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/administration/releases/newsid=625122.html#rotation+ends+2018) on 1 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071101002817/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/administration/releases/newsid=625122.html>. Retrieved 10 October 2007. 42. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-42) ["Socceroos face major challenge: Hiddink"](http://web.archive.org/web/20060430001531/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1528128.htm). ABC Sport. 10 December 2005. Archived from [the original](http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1528128.htm) on 30 April 2006. <http://web.archive.org/web/20060430001531/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1528128.htm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006. 43. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-43) ["FIFA Assets – Mascots"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071104232128/http://fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/mascots.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/mascots.html) on 4 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071104232128/http://fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/mascots.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 44. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-44) ["1930 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=1/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=1/index.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 45. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-47) ["1950 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/overview.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/overview.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 46. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-48) ["FIFA World Cup Finals since 1930"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 47. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-50) ["1950 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/teams/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/teams/index.html>. Retrieved 15 August 2011. 48. ↑ [48\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-0) [48\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-1) FIFA considers that the national team of Russia succeeds the USSR, the national team of Serbia succeeds the Yugoslavia/Serbia and Montenegro, and the national team of Czech Republic succeeds the Czechoslovakia. (["Russia"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=rus/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=rus/index.html>.; ["Serbia"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=srb/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=srb/index.html>.; ["Czech Republic"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cze/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cze/index.html>.). 49. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-53) ["Brazil"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html>. 50. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-54) Australia's qualification in 2006 was through the Oceanian zone as they were a member of the [OFC](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Oceania_Football_Confederation "Oceania Football Confederation") member during qualifying. However, on 1 January 2006, they left the Oceania Football Confederation and joined the [Asian Football Confederation](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation"). 51. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-55) ["FIFA World Cup awards"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 52. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-56) "Template:Citation error". Soccerway. 10 July 2006. 53. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-57) ["adidas Golden Shoe – FIFA World Cup Final"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/golden/award=gsa/idcup=17/pastcupawards.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/golden/award=gsa/idcup=17/pastcupawards.html>. Retrieved 4 March 2009. 54. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-58) "Template:Citation error". BBC Sport. 30 June 2002. 55. ↑ [55\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-RSSSF_FIFA_awards_59-0) [55\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-RSSSF_FIFA_awards_59-1) [55\.2](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-RSSSF_FIFA_awards_59-2) Pierrend, José Luis (18 May 2007). ["FIFA Awards"](http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-awards.html>. Retrieved 8 January 2008. 56. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-60) Yannis, Alex (10 November 1999). New York Times. 57. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-61) ["World Cup Hall of Fame: Lothar Matthaeus"](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/hof/matthaeus/). CNN. <http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/hof/matthaeus/>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 58. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-62) (["122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716). ESPNSoccernet.com, (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716>.) 59. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-63) Kirby, Gentry (5 July 2006). ESPN. 60. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-64) Chowdhury, Saj (27 June 2006). ["Ronaldo's riposte"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/brazil/5112982.stm). BBC Sport. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/brazil/5112982.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 61. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-65) ["Goal machine was Just superb"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/france/newsid_1752000/1752740.stm). BBC Sport. 4 April 2002. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/france/newsid_1752000/1752740.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 62. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-66) Hughes, Rob (11 March 1998). ["No Alternative to Victory for National Coach : 150 Million Brazilians Keep Heat on Zagalo"](http://web.archive.org/web/20080226063509/http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/03/11/soccer.t_7.php). International Herald Tribune. Archived from [the original](http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/03/11/soccer.t_7.php) on 26 February 2008. <http://web.archive.org/web/20080226063509/http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/03/11/soccer.t_7.php>. Retrieved 31 December 2007. 63. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-67) Brewin, John (21 December 2007). ["World Cup Legends – Franz Beckenbauer"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/worldcup/editorial/legends_beckenbauer.html). ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN). <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/worldcup/editorial/legends_beckenbauer.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007. 64. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-68) ["1938 France"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1938.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1938.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007. 65. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-69) ["Germany move ahead of Brazil"](http://web.archive.org/web/20100709063123/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1269182/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1269182/index.html) on 9 July 2010. <http://web.archive.org/web/20100709063123/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1269182/index.html>?. Retrieved 6 July 2010. 66. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-70) ["Planet World Cup – All time table"](http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/maraton.html). Planet World Cup. <http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/maraton.html>. Retrieved 26 January 2008. \==Bibliography== Glanville, Brian (2005). The Story of the World Cup. Faber. p. 44. 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Readable Markdown	\| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| Most successful team(s) \| [File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg "File:Flag of Brazil.svg") Brazil (5 titles) \| The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international [association football](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Association_football "Association football") competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association ([FIFA](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA "FIFA")), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of the Second World War. The current champions are Spain, who won the 2010 tournament. The current format of the tournament involves 32 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about a month; this phase is often called the World Cup Finals. A qualification phase, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s). The 19 World Cup tournaments have been won by eight different national teams. Brazil have won five times, and they are the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are Italy, with four titles; Germany, with three titles; Argentina and inaugural winners Uruguay, with two titles each; and England, France, and Spain, with one title each. The World Cup is the world's most widely viewed sporting event; an estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in [Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Germany "Germany").[\[1\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1) The next three World Cups will be hosted by [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil") in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022. \==History== Main article: History of the FIFA World Cup \===Previous international competitions=== The world's first international football match was a challenge match played in Glasgow in 1872 between Scotland and England,[\[2\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2) which ended in a 0–0 draw. The first international tournament, the inaugural edition of the British Home Championship, took place in 1884.[\[3\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-3) As football grew in popularity in other parts of the world at the turn of the 20th century, it was held as a demonstration sport with no medals awarded at the 1900 and 1904 Summer Olympics (however, the IOC has retroactively upgraded their status to official events), and at the 1906 Intercalated Games.[\[4\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-4) After [FIFA](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA "FIFA") was founded in 1904, it tried to arrange an international football tournament between nations outside the Olympic framework in Switzerland in 1906. These were very early days for international football, and the official history of FIFA describes the competition as having been a failure.[\[5\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-5) At the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, football became an official competition. Planned by The Football Association (FA), England's football governing body, the event was for amateur players only and was regarded suspiciously as a show rather than a competition. Great Britain (represented by the England national amateur football team) won the gold medals. They repeated the feat in 1912 in Stockholm. With the Olympic event continuing to be contested only between amateur teams, Sir Thomas Lipton organised the [Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Sir_Thomas_Lipton_Trophy "Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy") tournament in [Turin](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Turin "Turin") in 1909. The Lipton tournament was a championship between individual clubs (not national teams) from different nations, each one of which represented an entire nation. The competition is sometimes described as The First World Cup,[\[6\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-6) and featured the most prestigious professional club sides from Italy, Germany and Switzerland, but the FA of England refused to be associated with the competition and declined the offer to send a professional team. Lipton invited [West Auckland](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/West_Auckland_Town_F.C. "West Auckland Town F.C."), an amateur side from County Durham, to represent England instead. West Auckland won the tournament and returned in 1911 to successfully defend their title. In 1914, FIFA agreed to recognise the Olympic tournament as a "world football championship for amateurs", and took responsibility for managing the event.[\[7\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-7) This paved the way for the world's first intercontinental football competition, at the 1920 Summer Olympics, contested by Egypt and thirteen European teams, and won by Belgium.[\[8\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-8) Uruguay won the next two Olympic football tournaments in 1924 and 1928. Those were also the first two open world championships, as 1924 was the start of FIFA's professional era. [File:Estadiocentenario.JPG](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Estadiocentenario.JPG "File:Estadiocentenario.JPG") Estadio Centenario, the location of the first World Cup final in 1930 in [Montevideo](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Montevideo "Montevideo"), Uruguay Due to the success of the Olympic football tournaments, FIFA, with President [Jules Rimet](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Jules_Rimet "Jules Rimet") the driving force, again started looking at staging its own international tournament outside of the Olympics. On 28 May 1928, the FIFA Congress in Amsterdam decided to stage a world championship itself.[\[9\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-9) With Uruguay now two-time official football world champions and to celebrate their centenary of independence in 1930, FIFA named Uruguay as the host country of the inaugural World Cup tournament. The national associations of selected nations were invited to send a team, but the choice of Uruguay as a venue for the competition meant a long and costly trip across the Atlantic Ocean for European sides. Indeed, no European country pledged to send a team until two months before the start of the competition. Rimet eventually persuaded teams from Belgium, France, Romania, and Yugoslavia to make the trip. In total thirteen nations took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America. The first two World Cup matches took place simultaneously on 13 July 1930, and were won by France and USA, who defeated Mexico 4–1 and Belgium 3–0 respectively. The first goal in World Cup history was scored by Lucien Laurent of France.[\[10\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-10) In the final, Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in front of a crowd of 93,000 people in [Montevideo](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Montevideo "Montevideo"), and in doing so became the first nation to win the World Cup.[\[11\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-origin-11) \===World Cups before World War II=== After the creation of the World Cup, the 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, did not plan to include football as part of the schedule due to the low popularity of the sport in the United States, as American football had been growing in popularity. FIFA and the IOC also disagreed over the status of amateur players, and so football was dropped from the Games.[\[12\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-12) Olympic football returned at the 1936 Summer Olympics, but was now overshadowed by the more prestigious World Cup. The issues facing the early World Cup tournaments were the difficulties of intercontinental travel, and war. Few South American teams were willing to travel to Europe for the 1934 and 1938 tournaments, with Brazil the only South American team to compete in both. The 1942 and 1946 competitions, which Nazi Germany and [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil") sought to host,[\[13\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-13) were cancelled due to World War II and its aftermath. \===World Cups after World War II=== The 1950 World Cup, held in [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil"), was the first to include British participants. British teams withdrew from FIFA in 1920, partly out of unwillingness to play against the countries they had been at war with, and partly as a protest against foreign influence on football,[\[14\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-14) but rejoined in 1946 following FIFA's invitation.[\[15\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-15) The tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions Uruguay, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups. Uruguay won the tournament again after defeating the host nation Brazil, in the match called "Maracanazo" (Portuguese: Maracanaço). [Map of countries' best results](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=World_cup_countries_best_results_and_hosts.PNG "File:World cup countries best results and hosts.PNG") Map of countries' best results In the tournaments between 1934 and 1978, 16 teams competed in each tournament, except in 1938, when Austria was absorbed into Germany after qualifying, leaving the tournament with 15 teams, and in 1950, when India, Scotland and Turkey withdrew, leaving the tournament with 13 teams.[\[16\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-16) Most of the participating nations were from Europe and South America, with a small minority from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. These teams were usually defeated easily by the European and South American teams. Until 1982, the only teams from outside Europe and South America to advance out of the first round were: USA, semi-finalists in 1930; Cuba, quarter-finalists in 1938; Korea DPR, quarter-finalists in 1966; and Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1970. \===Expansion to 32 teams=== The tournament was expanded to 24 teams in 1982,[\[17\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-17) and then to 32 in 1998,[\[18\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-18) also allowing more teams from Africa, Asia and North America to take part. Since then, teams from these regions have enjoyed more success, with several having reached the quarter-finals: Mexico, quarter-finalists in 1986; Cameroon, quarter-finalists in 1990; Korea Republic, finishing in fourth place in 2002; Senegal, along with USA, both quarter-finalists in 2002; and Ghana as quarter-finalists in 2010. Nevertheless, European and South American teams continue to dominate, e.g., the quarter-finalists in 1994, 1998 and 2006 were all from Europe or South America. Two hundred teams entered the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds; 198 nations attempted to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, while a record 204 countries entered qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[\[19\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-19) \===Other FIFA tournaments=== An equivalent tournament for women's football, the FIFA Women's World Cup, was first held in 1991 in the People's Republic of China.[\[20\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-20) The women's tournament is smaller in scale and profile than the men's, but is growing; the number of entrants for the 2007 tournament was 120, more than double that of 1991. Football has been included in every Summer Olympic Games except 1896 and 1932. Unlike many other sports, the men's football tournament at the Olympics is not a top-level tournament, and since 1992, an under-23 tournament with each team allowed three over-age players.[\[21\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-21) Women's football made its Olympic debut in 1996, and is contested between full national sides with no age restrictions. The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament held one year before the World Cup at the World Cup host nation(s) as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World Cup. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup champion and the host country.[\[22\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-22) FIFA also organises international tournaments for youth football (FIFA U-20 World Cup, FIFA U-17 World Cup, FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup), club football ([FIFA Club World Cup](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_Club_World_Cup "FIFA Club World Cup")), and football variants such as futsal (FIFA Futsal World Cup) and beach soccer (FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup). Since the 2010 edition, the U-20 Women's World Cup has played the same role in women's football as the Confederations Cup plays in the men's game. When the U-20 Women's World Cup is held the year before the Women's World Cup, both tournaments are awarded in a single bidding process, with the U-20 tournament serving as a dress rehearsal for the larger competition. \==Trophy== Main article: FIFA World Cup Trophy [File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg "File:Wohlfahrtsbriefmarke-fifa.jpg") The FIFA World Cup Trophy on a German stamp From 1930 to 1970, the Jules Rimet Trophy was awarded to the World Cup winner. It was originally simply known as the World Cup or Coupe du Monde, but in 1946 it was renamed after the FIFA president [Jules Rimet](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Jules_Rimet "Jules Rimet") who set up the first tournament. In 1970, Brazil's third victory in the tournament entitled them to keep the trophy permanently. However, the trophy was stolen in 1983, and has never been recovered, apparently melted down by the thieves.[\[23\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-23) After 1970, a new trophy, known as the FIFA World Cup Trophy, was designed. The experts of FIFA, coming from seven different countries, evaluated the 53 presented models, finally opting for the work of the Italian designer Silvio Gazzaniga. The new trophy is 36 cm (14.2 in) high, made of solid 18 carat (75%) gold and weighs 6.175 kg (13.6 lb). The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite while the bottom side of the trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974. The description of the trophy by Gazzaniga was: "The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the stirring moment of victory."[\[24\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-24) This new trophy is not awarded to the winning nation permanently. World Cup winners retain the trophy until the next tournament and are awarded a gold-plated replica rather than the solid gold original.[\[25\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-25) At the present, all members (players, coaches, and managers) of the top three teams receive medals with an insignia of the World Cup Trophy; winners' (gold), runner-ups' (silver), and third-place (bronze). In the 2002 edition, fourth-place medals were awarded to hosts South Korea. Prior to the 1978 tournament, medals were only awarded to the eleven players on the pitch at the end of the final and the third-place match. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\[26\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-espnheroes-26)[\[27\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-27)[\[28\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-28) ## Format\[\] \===Qualification=== Main article: FIFA World Cup qualification Since the second World Cup in 1934, qualifying tournaments have been held to thin the field for the final tournament.[\[29\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-29) They are held within the six FIFA continental zones ([Africa](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Confederation_of_African_Football "Confederation of African Football"), [Asia](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation"), [North and Central America and Caribbean](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONCACAF "CONCACAF"), [South America](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONMEBOL "CONMEBOL"), [Oceania](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Oceania_Football_Confederation "Oceania Football Confederation"), and [Europe](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/UEFA "UEFA")), overseen by their respective confederations. For each tournament, FIFA decides the number of places awarded to each of the continental zones beforehand, generally based on the relative strength of the confederations' teams. The qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental play-offs. For example, the winner of the Oceanian zone and the fifth-placed team from the Asian zone entered a play-off for a spot in the 2010 World Cup.[\[30\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-30) From the 1938 World Cup onwards, host nations received automatic qualification to the final tournament. This right was also granted to the defending champions between 1938 and 2002, but was withdrawn from the 2006 FIFA World Cup onward, requiring the champions to qualify. Brazil, winners in 2002, were the first defending champions to play qualifying matches.[\[31\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-31) \===Final tournament=== For the various formats used in previous tournaments, see History of the FIFA World Cup\#Format of each final tournament. The current final tournament features 32 national teams competing over a month in the host nation(s). There are two stages: the group stage followed by the knockout stage.[\[32\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32) In the group stage, teams compete within eight groups of four teams each. Eight teams are seeded, including the hosts, with the other seeded teams selected using a formula based on the FIFA World Rankings and/or performances in recent World Cups, and drawn to separate groups.[\[33\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-33) The other teams are assigned to different "pots", usually based on geographical criteria, and teams in each pot are drawn at random to the eight groups. Since 1998, constraints have been applied to the draw to ensure that no group contains more than two European teams or more than one team from any other confederation.[\[34\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-34) Each group plays a round-robin tournament, in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams.[\[35\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-35) The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since 1994, three points have been awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points). The ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:[\[36\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-36) \# Greatest number of points in group matches \# Greatest goal difference in group matches \# Greatest number of goals scored in group matches \# If more than one team remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined as follows: \## Greatest number of points in head-to-head matches among those teams \## Greatest goal difference in head-to-head matches among those teams \## Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among those teams \# If any of the teams above remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined by the drawing of lots The knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 16 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the third-place match (contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final.[\[32\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-FIFAformat-32) \==Hosts== Main article: FIFA World Cup hosts \===Selection process=== Template:Wikinews Early World Cups were given to countries at meetings of FIFA's congress. The locations were controversial because South America and Europe were by far the two centres of strength in football and travel between them required three weeks by boat. The decision to hold the first World Cup in Uruguay, for example, led to only four European nations competing.[\[37\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-37) The next two World Cups were both held in Europe. The decision to hold the second of these in France was disputed, as the South American countries understood that the location would alternate between the two continents. Both Argentina and Uruguay thus boycotted the 1938 FIFA World Cup.[\[38\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-38) Since the 1958 FIFA World Cup, to avoid future boycotts or controversy, FIFA began a pattern of alternating the hosts between the Americas and Europe, which continued until the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by South Korea and Japan, was the first one held in Asia, and the only tournament with multiple hosts.[\[39\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-39) South Africa became the first African nation to host the World Cup in 2010. The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, the first held in South America since 1978,[\[40\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-40) and will be the first occasion where consecutive World Cups are held outside Europe. The host country is now chosen in a vote by FIFA's Executive Committee. This is done under an exhaustive ballot system. The national football association of a country desiring to host the event receives a "Hosting Agreement" from FIFA, which explains the steps and requirements that are expected from a strong bid. The bidding association also receives a form, the submission of which represents the official confirmation of the candidacy. After this, a FIFA designated group of inspectors visit the country to identify that the country meets the requirements needed to host the event and a report on the country is produced. The decision on who will host the World Cup is usually made six or seven years in advance of the tournament. However, there have been occasions where the hosts of multiple future tournaments were announced at the same time, as was the case for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively. For the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, the final tournament is rotated between confederations, allowing only countries from the chosen confederation (Africa in 2010, South America in 2014) to bid to host the tournament. The rotation policy was introduced after the controversy surrounding Germany's victory over South Africa in the vote to host the 2006 tournament. However, the policy of continental rotation will not continue beyond 2014, so any country, except those belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments, can apply as hosts for World Cups starting from 2018.[\[41\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-41) This is partly to avoid a similar scenario to the bidding process for the 2014 tournament, where Brazil was the only official bidder. \===Performances=== See also: Results of host nations in the FIFA World Cup Six of the eight champions have won one of their titles while playing in their own homeland, the exceptions being Brazil, who finished as runners-up after losing the deciding match on home soil in 1950, and Spain, which reached the second round on home soil in 1982. England (1966) and France (1998) won their only titles while playing as host nations. Uruguay (1930), Italy (1934) and Argentina (1978) won their first titles as host nations but have gone on to win again, while Germany (1974) won their second title on home soil. Other nations have also been successful when hosting the tournament. Sweden (runners-up in 1958), Chile (third place in 1962), Korea Republic (fourth place in 2002), and Mexico (quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986) all have their best results when serving as hosts. So far, South Africa (2010) was the only host nation to fail to advance beyond the first round. \==Organisation and media coverage== See also: List of FIFA World Cup broadcasters The World Cup was first televised in 1954 and is now the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Olympic Games. The cumulative audience of all matches of the 2006 World Cup is estimated to be 26.29 billion.[\[1\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-2006coverage-1) 715.1 million individuals watched the final match of this tournament (a ninth of the entire population of the planet). The 2006 World Cup draw, which decided the distribution of teams into groups, was watched by 300 million viewers.[\[42\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-42) Each FIFA World Cup since 1966 has its own mascot or logo. World Cup Willie, the mascot for the 1966 competition, was the first World Cup mascot.[\[43\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-43) Recent World Cups have also featured official match balls specially designed for each World Cup. \===Attendance=== See also: List of sports attendance figures {\\| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center;" \\|- !Year & Host !Total Attendance !\# Matches !Avg Attendance \\|- \\|[Uruguay](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg "File:Flag of Uruguay.svg") 1930\\|\\|434,500\\|\\|18\\|\\|24,139 \\|- \\|[Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\(1861-1946\).svg "File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg") 1934\\|\\|358,000\\|\\|17\\|\\|21,059 \\|- \\|[France](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") 1938\\|\\|483,000 \\|\\|18\\|\\|26,833 \\|- \\|[Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg "File:Flag of Brazil.svg") 1950\\|\\|1,043,500\\|\\|22\\|\\|47,432 \\|- \\|[Switzerland](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg "File:Flag of Switzerland.svg") 1954\\|\\| 889,500 \\|\\|26\\|\\| 34,212 \\|- \\|[Sweden](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg "File:Flag of Sweden.svg") 1958\\|\\| 919,580 \\|\\|35\\|\\| 26,274 \\|- \\|[Chile](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg "File:Flag of Chile.svg") 1962\\|\\| 899,074 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 28,096 \\|- \\|[England](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg "File:Flag of England.svg") 1966\\|\\| 1,635,000 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 51,094 \\|- \\|[Mexico](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") 1970\\|\\| 1,603,975 \\|\\|32\\|\\| 50,124 \\|- \\|[West Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") 1974\\|\\| 1,774,022 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 46,685 \\|- \\|[Argentina](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg "File:Flag of Argentina.svg") 1978\\|\\| 1,546,151 \\|\\|38\\|\\| 40,688 \\|- \\|[Spain](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg "File:Flag of Spain.svg") 1982\\|\\| 2,109,723\\|\\|52\\|\\| 40,572 \\|- \\|[Mexico](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") 1986\\|\\| 2,393,031 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 46,020 \\|- \\|[Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg "File:Flag of Italy.svg") 1990\\|\\| 2,516,348 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 48,391 \\|- \\|[United States](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg "File:Flag of the United States.svg") 1994\\|\\| 3,587,538 \\|\\|52\\|\\| 68,991 \\|- \\|[France](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") 1998\\|\\| 2,785,100 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 43,517 \\|- \\|[Japan](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg "File:Flag of Japan.svg")[South Korea](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg "File:Flag of South Korea.svg") 2002\\|\\| 2,705,197 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 42,269 \\|- \\|[Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") 2006\\|\\| 3,359,439 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 52,491 \\|- \\|[South Africa](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg "File:Flag of South Africa.svg") 2010\\|\\| 3,178,856 \\|\\|64\\|\\| 49,670 \\|} ==Results== See also: List of FIFA World Cup finals {\\| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:100%" \\|- !width=5%\\|Year !width=10%\\|Host !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\| !width=14%\\|Winners !width=10%\\|Score !width=14%\\|Runners-up !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\| !width=14%\\|Third place !width=10%\\|Score !width=14%\\|Fourth place !width=1% rowspan=20 bgcolor=ffffff\\| !width=4%\\|Number of teams \\|- \\|1930 Details \\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg "File:Flag of Uruguay.svg") Uruguay \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|[\[note 1\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-45) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|13 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1934 Details \\|[File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy_\(1861-1946\).svg "File:Flag of Italy (1861-1946).svg") [Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Italy "Italy") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1938 Details \\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") France \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16/15 [\[note 2\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-46) \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1950 Details \\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg "File:Flag of Brazil.svg") [Brazil](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Brazil "Brazil") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|[\[note 3\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|[\[note 3\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-wc1950-49) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16/13 [\[note 4\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-51) \\|- \\|1954 Details \\|[File:Flag of Switzerland.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Switzerland.svg "File:Flag of Switzerland.svg") [Switzerland](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Switzerland "Switzerland") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1958 Details \\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg "File:Flag of Sweden.svg") Sweden \\|Template:Fb-big \\|5–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|6–3 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1962 Details \\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg "File:Flag of Chile.svg") Chile \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1966 Details \\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg "File:Flag of England.svg") [England](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/England "England") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1970 Details \\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") Mexico \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1974 Details \\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") West Germany \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- \\|1978 Details \\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg "File:Flag of Argentina.svg") Argentina \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|16 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1982 Details \\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg "File:Flag of Spain.svg") Spain \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- \\|1986 Details \\|[File:Flag of Mexico.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Mexico.svg "File:Flag of Mexico.svg") Mexico \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–2 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1990 Details \\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg "File:Flag of Italy.svg") [Italy](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Italy "Italy") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- \\|1994 Details \\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg "File:Flag of the United States.svg") United States \\|Template:Fb-big \\|0–0 (3–2p) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|4–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|24 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|1998 Details \\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") France \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- \\|2002 Details \\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg "File:Flag of South Korea.svg") South Korea & [File:Flag of Japan.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Japan.svg "File:Flag of Japan.svg") [Japan](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Japan "Japan") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|2–0 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- style="background: \#D0E6FF;" \\|2006 Details \\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") [Germany](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Germany "Germany") \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–1 (5–3p) \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–1 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- \\|2010 Details \\|[File:Flag of South Africa.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Africa.svg "File:Flag of South Africa.svg") South Africa \\|Template:Fb-big \\|1–0 Template:Aet \\|Template:Fb-big \\|Template:Fb-big \\|3–2 \\|Template:Fb-big \\|32 \\|- \\|} \*aet: after extra time \*p: after penalty shoot-out Notes [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-45) There was no official World Cup Third Place match in 1930; The United States and Yugoslavia lost in the semi-finals. FIFA now recognises the United States as the third-placed team and Yugoslavia as the fourth-placed team, using the overall records of the teams in the tournament.[\[44\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-44) [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-46) Austria withdrew after the draw as a result of the Anschluss with Germany: some Austrian players subsequently joined the German squad, leaving the tournament with 15 teams. ↑ [3\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-0) [3\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-wc1950_49-1) There was no official World Cup final match in 1950.[\[45\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-47) The tournament winner was decided by a final round-robin group contested by four teams (Uruguay, Brazil, Sweden, and Spain). Coincidentally, one of the last two matches of the tournament pitted the two top ranked teams against each other, with Uruguay's 2–1 victory over Brazil thus often being considered as the de facto final of the 1950 World Cup.[\[46\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-48) Likewise, the game between the lowest ranked teams, played at the same time as Uruguay vs Brazil, can be considered equal to a Third Place match, with Sweden's 3–1 victory over Spain ensuring that they finished third. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-51) Only 13 teams played the 1950 FIFA World Cup.[\[47\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-50) 16 teams entered the seeding groups draw. However, Turkey and Scotland both withdrew before the draw; France (eliminated in qualifying) was invited as a replacement, leaving the tournament to be held with 15 teams. After the draw, India and France both withdrew, so only 13 teams participated in the tournament. In all, 76 nations have played in at least one World Cup.[\[48\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52) Of these, eight national teams have won the World Cup, and they have added stars to their badges, with each star representing a World Cup victory. (However, Uruguay are an exception to this unwritten rule; they choose to display four stars on their badge, representing their two gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics and their two World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950). With five titles, Brazil are the most successful World Cup team and also the only nation to have played in every World Cup (19) to date,[\[49\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-53) and they will host the 20th in 2014. Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) are the only nations to have won consecutive titles. West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002) are the only nations to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals. Germany have made the most top-four finishes, with twelve, while sharing the record of most top-two finishes with Brazil, with seven. \===Teams reaching the top four=== See also: FIFA World Cup comprehensive team results by tournament {\\| class="wikitable sortable" \\|- ! Team !! Titles !! Runners-up !! Third place !! Fourth place !! Total finishes in top four \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Brazil.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Brazil.svg "File:Flag of Brazil.svg") Brazil \\|5 (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) \\|2 (1950[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1998) \\|2 (1938, 1978) \\|1 (1974) \\|10 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Italy.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Italy.svg "File:Flag of Italy.svg") Italy \\|4 (1934[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1938, 1982, 2006) \\|2 (1970, 1994) \\|1 (1990[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|1 (1978) \\|8 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Germany.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Germany.svg "File:Flag of Germany.svg") Germany[^](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#2) \\|3 (1954, 1974[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1990) \\|4 (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002) \\|4 (1934, 1970, 2006\, 2010) \\|1 (1958) \\|12 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Argentina.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Argentina.svg "File:Flag of Argentina.svg") Argentina \\|2 (1978[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1986) \\|2 (1930, 1990) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|4 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Uruguay.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Uruguay.svg "File:Flag of Uruguay.svg") Uruguay \\|2 (1930[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1), 1950) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|3 (1954, 1970, 2010) \\|5 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of France.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_France.svg "File:Flag of France.svg") France \\|1 (1998[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|1 (2006) \\|2 (1958, 1986) \\|1 (1982) \\|5 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of England.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_England.svg "File:Flag of England.svg") England \\|1 (1966[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1990) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Spain.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Spain.svg "File:Flag of Spain.svg") Spain \\|1 (2010) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1950) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg "File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg") Netherlands \\|align=center\\| — \\|3 (1974, 1978, 2010) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1998) \\|4 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Czechoslovakia.svg "File:Flag of Czechoslovakia.svg") Czechoslovakia[\#](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#3) \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1934, 1962) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Hungary.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Hungary.svg "File:Flag of Hungary.svg") Hungary \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1938, 1954) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Sweden.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Sweden.svg "File:Flag of Sweden.svg") Sweden \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1958[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|2 (1950, 1994) \\|1 (1938) \\|4 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Poland.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Poland.svg "File:Flag of Poland.svg") Poland \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1974, 1982) \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Austria.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Austria.svg "File:Flag of Austria.svg") Austria \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1954) \\|1 (1934) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Portugal.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Portugal.svg "File:Flag of Portugal.svg") Portugal \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1966) \\|1 (2006) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of the United States.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_United_States.svg "File:Flag of the United States.svg") United States \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1930) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Chile.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Chile.svg "File:Flag of Chile.svg") Chile \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1962[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Croatia.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Croatia.svg "File:Flag of Croatia.svg") Croatia \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1998) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Turkey.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Turkey.svg "File:Flag of Turkey.svg") Turkey \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (2002) \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_SFR_Yugoslavia.svg "File:Flag of SFR Yugoslavia.svg") Yugoslavia[\#](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#3) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|2 (1930, 1962) \\|2 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_the_Soviet_Union.svg "File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg") Soviet Union[\#](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#3) \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1966) \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Belgium_\(civil\).svg "File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg") Belgium \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1986) \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_Bulgaria.svg "File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg") Bulgaria \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (1994) \\|1 \\|- \\|[File:Flag of South Korea.svg](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:Upload?wpDestFile=Flag_of_South_Korea.svg "File:Flag of South Korea.svg") South Korea \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|align=center\\| — \\|1 (2002[\](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#1)) \\|1 \\|} : \ = hosts* : ^ = includes results representing West Germany between 1954 and 1990 : \# = states that have since split into two or more independent nations[\[48\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-successor-52) \===Best performances by continental zones=== See also: FIFA World Cup results by confederation To date, the final of the World Cup has only been contested by [European](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/UEFA "UEFA") and [South American](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONMEBOL "CONMEBOL") teams. European nations have won ten titles; South American teams have won nine. Only two teams from outside these two continents have ever reached the semi-finals of the competition: USA ([North, Central America and Caribbean](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONCACAF "CONCACAF")) in 1930 and Korea Republic ([Asia](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation")) who reached the semis in 2002. The best result of an [African](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Confederation_of_African_Football "Confederation of African Football") team is reaching the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Only one [Oceanian](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Oceania_Football_Confederation "Oceania Football Confederation") qualifier, Australia in 2006, has advanced to the second round.[\[50\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-54) Brazil, Argentina, and Spain are the only teams to win a World Cup outside their continental confederation; Brazil came out victorious in [Europe](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/UEFA "UEFA") (1958), [North America](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/CONCACAF "CONCACAF") (1970 and 1994) and [Asia](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation") (2002), Argentina won a North American World Cup in 1986, while Spain won the only African World Cup in 2010. Only on three occasions have consecutive World Cups been won by teams from the same continent – Italy and Brazil successfully defended their titles in 1938 and 1962 respectively, while Spain's 2010 triumph followed Italy's in 2006. \==Awards== Main article: FIFA World Cup awards At the end of each World Cup, awards are presented to the players and teams for accomplishments other than their final team positions in the tournament. There are currently six awards:[\[51\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-55) \The Golden Ball* for the best player, determined by a vote of media members (first awarded in 1982); the Silver Ball and the Bronze Ball are awarded to the players finishing second and third in the voting respectively;[\[52\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-56) \The Golden Boot* (sometimes called the Golden Shoe) for the top goalscorer (first awarded in 1982, but retrospectively applied to all tournaments from 1930); most recently, the Silver Boot and the Bronze Boot have been awarded to the second and third top goalscorers respectively;[\[53\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-57) \The Golden Glove Award* (formerly the Yashin Award) for the best goalkeeper, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 1994);[\[54\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-58) \The Best Young Player Award* for the best player aged 21 or younger at the start of the calendar year, decided by the FIFA Technical Study Group (first awarded in 2006). \The FIFA Fair Play Trophy* for the team with the best record of fair play, according to the points system and criteria established by the FIFA Fair Play Committee (first awarded in 1978); \The Most Entertaining Team* for the team that has entertained the public the most during the World Cup, determined by a poll of the general public (first awarded in 1994); An All-Star Team consisting of the best players of the tournament has also been announced for each tournament since 1998. \==Records and statistics== Main article: FIFA World Cup records Two players share the record for playing in the most World Cups; Mexico's Antonio Carbajal (1950–1966) and Germany's Lothar Matthäus (1982–1998) both played in five tournaments.[\[56\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-60) Matthäus has played the most World Cup matches overall, with 25 appearances.[\[57\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-61) West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer (1966–1974) is the only player to be named to three Finals All-Star Teams. In November 2007, FIFA announced that all members of World Cup-winning squads between 1930 and 1974 were to be retroactively awarded winners' medals.[\[58\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-62) This made Brazil's [Pelé](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Pel%C3%A9 "Pelé") the only player to have won three World Cup winners' medals (1958, 1962, and 1970, although he did not play in the 1962 final due to injury),[\[59\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-63) with 20 other players who have won two winners' medals. Six players have collected all three types of World Cup medals (winners', runner- ups', and third-place); five players were from West Germany's squad of 1966–1974 including Franz Beckenbauer, and the most recent has been Italy's Franco Baresi (1982, 1990, 1994). The overall top goalscorer in World Cups is Brazil's Ronaldo, scorer of 15 goals (1998–2006). Germany's Miroslav Klose (2002–2010) and West Germany's Gerd Müller (1970–1974) are second, with 14 goals.[\[60\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-64) The fourth placed goalscorer, France's Just Fontaine, holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup; all his 13 goals were scored in the 1958 tournament.[\[61\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-65) Brazil's Mário Zagallo and West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer are the only people to date to win the World Cup as both player and head coach. Zagallo won in 1958 and 1962 as a player and in 1970 as head coach.[\[62\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-66) Beckenbauer won in 1974 as captain and in 1990 as head coach.[\[63\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-67) Italy's Vittorio Pozzo is the only head coach to ever win two World Cups (1934 and 1938).[\[64\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-68) All World Cup winning head coaches were natives of the country they coached to victory. Among the national teams, Germany have played the most World Cup matches, with 99,[\[65\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-69) while Brazil have scored the most World Cup goals, with 210.[\[66\]](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_note-70) The two teams have played each other only once in the World Cup, in the 2002 final. See also: All-time table of the Football World Cup \==See also== \* National team appearances in the FIFA World Cup \* FIFA Women's World Cup \* List of other competitions named World Cup \* 1980 Mundialito, a tournament held in Uruguay to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the World Cup \* FIFA World Cup All-Time Team \* FIFA World Cup Dream Team \* FIFA World Cup official songs ==Notes and references== 1. ↑ [1\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-0) [1\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2006coverage_1-1) ["2006 FIFA World Cup broadcast wider, longer and farther than ever before"](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/marketing/news/newsid=111247/index.html). FIFA.com. [Fédération Internationale de Football Association](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA "FIFA"). <http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/marketing/news/newsid=111247/index.html>. Retrieved 11 October 2009. 2. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-2) ["England National Football Team Match No. 1"](http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas1872-00/1872-73/M0001Sco1872.html). England Football Online. <http://www.englandfootballonline.com/Seas1872-00/1872-73/M0001Sco1872.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 3. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-3) ["British PM backs return of Home Nations championship"](http://www.soccerway.com/news/2007/November/22/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship). Agence France-Presse. <http://www.soccerway.com/news/2007/November/22/british-pm-backs-return-of-home-nations-championship>. Retrieved 16 December 2007. 4. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-4) Elbech, Søren; Stokkermans, Karel (26 June 2008). ["Intermediate Games of the IV. Olympiad"](http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1906f.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1906f.html>. 5. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-5) ["History of FIFA – FIFA takes shape"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa2.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa2.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 6. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-6) ["'The First World Cup'. The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy"](http://web.archive.org/web/20031129221811/http://www.shrewsbury.gov.uk/Public/news/thomaslipton.htm). Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council. 10 October 2003. Archived from [the original](http://www.shrewsbury.gov.uk/Public/news/thomaslipton.htm) on 29 November 2003. <http://web.archive.org/web/20031129221811/http://www.shrewsbury.gov.uk/Public/news/thomaslipton.htm>. Retrieved 11 April 2006. 7. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-7) ["History of FIFA – More associations follow"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa3.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa3.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 8. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-8) Reyes, Macario (18 October 1999). ["VII. Olympiad Antwerp 1920 Football Tournament"](http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1920f-det.html). rec.sport.soccer Statistics Foundation. <http://www.rsssf.com/tableso/ol1920f-det.html>. Retrieved 10 June 2006. 9. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-9) ["History of FIFA – The first FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa4.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 19 November 2007. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/fifa/historyfifa4.html>. 10. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-10) Molinaro, John F. ["Lucien Laurent: The World Cup's First Goal Scorer"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/laurent_lucien.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/laurent_lucien.html>. Retrieved 6 May 2007. 11. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-origin_11-0) ["FIFA World Cup Origin"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_02e_fwc-origin_8816.pdf>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 12. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-12) ["The Olympic Odyssey so far... (Part 1: 1908–1964)"](http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=512/edition=8229/news/newsid=92851.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/archive/tournament=512/edition=8229/news/newsid=92851.html>. Retrieved 8 January 2008. 13. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-13) ["Los datos más curiosos de la Fiesta del Fútbol - Brasil 1950 \[The most curious of the Festival of Football - Brazil 1950\]"](http://www.cristal.com.pe/articulo/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950) (in Spanish). cristal.com. <http://www.cristal.com.pe/articulo/los-datos-mas-curiosos-de-la-fiesta-del-futbol-brasil-1950>. Retrieved 17 April 2012. 14. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-14) ["Scotland and the 1950 World Cup"](http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0001/index.shtml). BBC. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0001/index.shtml>. Retrieved 13 May 2007. 15. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-15) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville) 16. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-16) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p45 17. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-17) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p238 18. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-18) [Glanville](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#glanville), p359 19. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-19) ["Record number of 204 teams enter preliminary competition"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071117123621/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=122766.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=122766.html#record+number+teams+enter+preliminary+competition) on 17 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071117123621/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=122766.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 20. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-20) ["FIFA Women's World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/womenworldcup/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 21. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-21) ["Regulations Men's Olympic Football Tournament 2008"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/regulations_olympics_beijing_2008_en_6198.pdf>. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 22. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-22) ["FIFA Confederations Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/confederationcup/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/confederationcup/index.html>. Retrieved 22 December 2007. 23. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-23) ["Jules Rimet Trophy"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/julesrimettrophy.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/julesrimettrophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 24. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-24) ["FIFA World Cup Trophy"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/trophies.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/history/worldcup/trophies.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 25. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-25) ["FIFA Assets – Trophy"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071104165903/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/trophy.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/trophy.html) on 4 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071104165903/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/trophy.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 26. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-espnheroes_26-0) ["122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716). ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716>. 27. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-27) ["World Cup 1966 winners honoured"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8093891.stm). BBC Sport. 10 June 2009. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8093891.stm>. 28. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-28) ["Jimmy Greaves finally gets his 1966 World Cup medal"](http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/11/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367/). Mirror.co.uk (MGN). <http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/06/11/greavsie-gets-66-medal-115875-21431367/>. 29. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-29) ["FIFA World Cup qualifying: Treasure-trove of the weird and wonderful"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminarydraw/news/newsid=576440.html). FIFA. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminarydraw/news/newsid=576440.html>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 30. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-30) ["2010 World Cup Qualifying"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=). ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN). 26 November 2009. <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/print?id=468907&type=story&cc=>. Retrieved 23 December 2009. 31. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-31) ["History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/51/97/75/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/51/97/75/fs-201_19a_fwc-prel-history.pdf>. 32. ↑ [32\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-0) [32\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-FIFAformat_32-1) ["Formats of the FIFA World Cup final competitions 1930–2010"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_04e_fwc_formats_slots_8821.pdf>. Retrieved 1 January 2008. 33. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-33) ["FIFA World Cup: seeded teams 1930–2010"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/82/40/89/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mencompwc/82/40/89/fs-201_12a_fwc-seededteams.pdf>. 34. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-34) Previously, due to there being fewer finals places and a bigger ratio of European finalists, there had been several occasions where three European teams were in a single group, for example, 1986 (West Germany, Scotland, and Denmark), 1990 (Italy, Czechoslovakia, and Austria), and 1994 (Italy, Republic of Ireland, and Norway). (["History of the World Cup Final Draw"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-201_10e-fwcdraw-history_52560.pdf>.) 35. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-35) This practice has been installed since the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In some cases during previous tournaments, for example, Argentina 6–0 Peru in Argentina 1978 and West Germany 1–0 Austria in Spain 1982, teams that played the latter match were perceived to gain an unfair advantage by knowing the score of the earlier match, and subsequently obtaining a result that ensured advancement to the next stage. (["1978 Argentina"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1978.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1978.html>.; ["1982 Spain"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1982.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1982.html>.) 36. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-36) ["Regulations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. p. 41. [http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa%5fwc%5fsouth%5fafrica%5f2010%5fregulations%5fen%5f14123.pdf](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/fifa_wc_south_africa_2010_regulations_en_14123.pdf). Retrieved 21 June 2010. 37. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-37) ["Uruguay 1930"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632201.stm). BBC Sport. 11 April 2002. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632201.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006. 38. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-38) ["France 1938"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632206.stm). BBC Sport. 17 April 2002. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/history/newsid_1632000/1632206.stm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006. 39. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-39) ["Asia takes World Cup center stage"](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/news/2002/06/03/au_asia_rb/). CNN. 3 June 2002. <http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/news/2002/06/03/au_asia_rb/>. Retrieved 1 January 2008. 40. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-40) ["Brazil will stage 2014 World Cup"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7068848.stm). BBC Sport. 10 October 2007. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7068848.stm>. Retrieved 1 January 2008. 41. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-41) ["Rotation ends in 2018"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071101002817/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/administration/releases/newsid=625122.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/administration/releases/newsid=625122.html#rotation+ends+2018) on 1 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071101002817/http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/federation/administration/releases/newsid=625122.html>. Retrieved 10 October 2007. 42. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-42) ["Socceroos face major challenge: Hiddink"](http://web.archive.org/web/20060430001531/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1528128.htm). ABC Sport. 10 December 2005. Archived from [the original](http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1528128.htm) on 30 April 2006. <http://web.archive.org/web/20060430001531/http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200512/s1528128.htm>. Retrieved 13 May 2006. 43. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-43) ["FIFA Assets – Mascots"](http://web.archive.org/web/20071104232128/http://fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/mascots.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/mascots.html) on 4 November 2007. <http://web.archive.org/web/20071104232128/http://fifa.com/aboutfifa/marketingtv/marketing/fifaassets/mascots.html>. Retrieved 19 November 2007. 44. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-44) ["1930 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=1/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=1/index.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 45. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-47) ["1950 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/overview.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/overview.html>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 46. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-48) ["FIFA World Cup Finals since 1930"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf) (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_09a_wc-finals_alltime_8864.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 47. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-50) ["1950 FIFA World Cup"](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/teams/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/edition=7/teams/index.html>. Retrieved 15 August 2011. 48. ↑ [48\.0](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-0) [48\.1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-successor_52-1) FIFA considers that the national team of Russia succeeds the USSR, the national team of Serbia succeeds the Yugoslavia/Serbia and Montenegro, and the national team of Czech Republic succeeds the Czechoslovakia. (["Russia"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=rus/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=rus/index.html>.; ["Serbia"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=srb/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=srb/index.html>.; ["Czech Republic"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cze/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=cze/index.html>.). 49. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-53) ["Brazil"](http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=bra/index.html>. 50. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-54) Australia's qualification in 2006 was through the Oceanian zone as they were a member of the [OFC](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Oceania_Football_Confederation "Oceania Football Confederation") member during qualifying. However, on 1 January 2006, they left the Oceania Football Confederation and joined the [Asian Football Confederation](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Football_Confederation "Asian Football Confederation"). 51. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-55) ["FIFA World Cup awards"](http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_03a_fwc-awards_22643.pdf>. Retrieved 5 March 2009. 52. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-56) "Template:Citation error". Soccerway. 10 July 2006. 53. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-57) ["adidas Golden Shoe – FIFA World Cup Final"](http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/golden/award=gsa/idcup=17/pastcupawards.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. <http://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/awards/golden/award=gsa/idcup=17/pastcupawards.html>. Retrieved 4 March 2009. 54. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-58) "Template:Citation error". BBC Sport. 30 June 2002. 55. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-60) Yannis, Alex (10 November 1999). New York Times. 56. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-61) ["World Cup Hall of Fame: Lothar Matthaeus"](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/hof/matthaeus/). CNN. <http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/hof/matthaeus/>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 57. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-62) (["122 forgotten heroes get World Cup medals"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716). ESPNSoccernet.com, (ESPN). 25 November 2007. <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=484715&cc=4716>.) 58. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-63) Kirby, Gentry (5 July 2006). ESPN. 59. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-64) Chowdhury, Saj (27 June 2006). ["Ronaldo's riposte"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/brazil/5112982.stm). BBC Sport. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/brazil/5112982.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 60. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-65) ["Goal machine was Just superb"](http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/france/newsid_1752000/1752740.stm). BBC Sport. 4 April 2002. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/worldcup2002/hi/team_pages/france/newsid_1752000/1752740.stm>. Retrieved 23 December 2007. 61. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-66) Hughes, Rob (11 March 1998). ["No Alternative to Victory for National Coach : 150 Million Brazilians Keep Heat on Zagalo"](http://web.archive.org/web/20080226063509/http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/03/11/soccer.t_7.php). International Herald Tribune. Archived from [the original](http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/03/11/soccer.t_7.php) on 26 February 2008. <http://web.archive.org/web/20080226063509/http://www.iht.com/articles/1998/03/11/soccer.t_7.php>. Retrieved 31 December 2007. 62. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-67) Brewin, John (21 December 2007). ["World Cup Legends – Franz Beckenbauer"](http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/worldcup/editorial/legends_beckenbauer.html). ESPNSoccernet.com (ESPN). <http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/worldcup/editorial/legends_beckenbauer.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007. 63. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-68) ["1938 France"](http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1938.html). CBC. <http://www.cbc.ca/sports/worldcup2006/history/events/1938.html>. Retrieved 31 December 2007. 64. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-69) ["Germany move ahead of Brazil"](http://web.archive.org/web/20100709063123/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1269182/index.html). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from [the original](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1269182/index.html) on 9 July 2010. <http://web.archive.org/web/20100709063123/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1269182/index.html>?. Retrieved 6 July 2010. 65. [↑](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup#cite_ref-70) ["Planet World Cup – All time table"](http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/maraton.html). Planet World Cup. <http://www.planetworldcup.com/NATIONS/maraton.html>. Retrieved 26 January 2008. \==Bibliography== Glanville, Brian (2005). The Story of the World Cup. Faber. p. 44. ISBN [0-571-22944-1](https://big-soccer.fandom.com/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-571-22944-1 "Special:BookSources/0-571-22944-1"). \==External links== \* [FIFA World Cup official site](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html) \* [Previous FIFA World Cups](http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html) Template:FIFA World Cup winners Template:FIFA World Cup \| {{{header}}} \| \|---\| \| {{{body}}} \| \| {{{header}}} \| \|---\| \| {{{body}}} \| \| {{{header}}} \| \|---\| \| {{{body}}} \| \| {{{header}}} \| \|---\| \| {{{body}}} \|
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