How well do you know the World Cup?
The World Cup is the world's most watched sporting event. Six questions, from easy to hard, about its history and traditions.
Did you know?
- Brazil has won the men's World Cup five times, more than any other nation. Germany and Italy have each won four titles, followed by Argentina with three by 2022.
- The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was the first held in November and December, to avoid the extreme summer heat of the Gulf. Many European leagues paused their seasons for the tournament.
- Miroslav Klose of Germany holds the record for most goals scored in men's World Cup finals, with 16 goals across four tournaments between 2002 and 2014.
The world's biggest sporting event
The FIFA World Cup began in 1930 with just 13 teams, most of them invited, and has grown into an event followed by billions. Qualification now involves more than 200 national teams, and the finals bring together fans from across the world for a month of matches that can shape national moods and memories for decades.
Two trophies
The first trophy, named after FIFA president Jules Rimet, was given permanently to Brazil after their third win in 1970. It was later stolen again in Rio de Janeiro in 1983 and never recovered. The current trophy, designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, shows two figures holding up the Earth.
Hosting the tournament
Hosting the World Cup is a huge undertaking, requiring stadiums, transport and accommodation for teams and fans. Tournaments have been held in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. In 2002 Japan and South Korea became the first co-hosts, and in 2010 South Africa staged the first World Cup in Africa.
Growing the format
The number of teams has grown from 13 to 16, then 24, 32 and finally 48 in 2026. Each expansion gave more countries a chance to qualify, especially from Africa and Asia, and increased the number of matches. Supporters of expansion say it spreads the game; critics worry about the quality of early matches.
Moments that became legends
The World Cup has produced some of football's most famous moments, from spectacular goals to shocking upsets. These moments are replayed for generations and often become part of national culture, remembered by people who never watch football otherwise.
The World Cup and everyday life
During the World Cup, daily life in many countries changes. Offices and schools adjust hours so people can watch important matches, streets empty during games and fill with celebrations afterwards, and sales of televisions and team shirts rise sharply. Studies have even measured changes in electricity use and traffic patterns during major matches.