The FIFA World Cup is the premier international soccer tournament, contested every four years by national men's teams and organised by FIFA, the sport's global governing body. First held in 1930, it has grown into the most widely watched sporting event on the planet, drawing billions of viewers across a month-long finals stage.
What the tournament is
The World Cup brings together national teams that have come through a multi-year qualifying process organised by FIFA's six continental confederations. Only one trophy is contested, and winning it is widely regarded as the highest team honour in the sport.
The current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy designed by Silvio Gazzaniga, has been awarded since 1974. The earlier Jules Rimet Trophy was given permanently to Brazil in 1970 after the country's third title.
Format and structure
Qualification runs over roughly two to three years, with each confederation allocated a number of places. The finals tournament has traditionally featured 32 teams, drawn into groups for a round-robin first stage, followed by a single-elimination knockout phase culminating in the final.
From the 2026 edition onward, the finals expand to 48 teams. Key structural elements include:
- A group stage where teams play one another and accumulate points
- A knockout bracket from the round of 16 onward
- Extra time and, if needed, a penalty shoot-out to decide drawn knockout matches
- A third-place play-off contested by the losing semi-finalists
History and growth
Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural 1930 tournament. The competition paused during the Second World War and resumed in 1950. Over the decades it expanded from 13 entrants to a global event of dozens of nations.
Brazil holds the record with five titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four each. Argentina, France and Uruguay are among the other multiple-time winners. The tournament has been hosted across South America, Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, with the 2010 edition in South Africa being the first held on the African continent.
Notable moments
The World Cup has produced many of football's defining images. Pele won three titles with Brazil between 1958 and 1970. Diego Maradona's performances in 1986 carried Argentina to the trophy. Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in 2022 in a final widely described as one of the greatest, defeating France on penalties.
Other landmark moments include West Germany's comeback win in 1954, Italy's victory in 1982, and France's first title on home soil in 1998. The tournament regularly produces record-setting individual and team feats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the FIFA World Cup held?
The tournament is held every four years. Qualifying matches take place in the years between finals tournaments.
Which country has won the most World Cups?
Brazil has won the most, with five titles. Germany and Italy follow with four each.
When was the first World Cup held?
The first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay, which also won the inaugural edition as hosts.
How many teams play in the finals?
The finals featured 32 teams for several editions. Beginning with the 2026 tournament, the field expands to 48 teams.
What is the World Cup trophy called?
The current award is the FIFA World Cup Trophy, used since 1974. The earlier Jules Rimet Trophy was retired after Brazil's 1970 win.
How are knockout matches decided if they are level?
Drawn knockout matches go to extra time, and if still level, a penalty shoot-out determines the winner.
Has the World Cup ever been hosted in Africa?
Yes. South Africa hosted the 2010 edition, the first World Cup held on the African continent.