History of the World Cup

In a World Policy Journal exclusive, we highlight the history of the World Cup from its origin up leading up to the much anticipated games in Brazil this month.

The FIFA World Cup is an international association football [soccer] competition. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, except in 1942 and 1946.;xNLx;;xNLx;The World Cup is among the world's most widely viewed sporting events; an estimated 715.1 million people watched the final match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany. ;xNLx;The next three World Cups will be hosted by Brazil, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.

1904-05-01 10:09:31

FIFA: For the Game. For the World.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is established.

1930-07-18 10:09:31

The 1st World Cup Kicks Off

The success of the Olympic Football Tournament intensified FlFA's wish for its own world championship.

1934-07-01 10:09:31

Qualifying Rounds are Introduced

Hosted by Italy, the 1934 World Cup was the first to include a qualification stage. Sweden and Estonia played first qualifying game (meaning that countries had to qualify before playing in FIFA/World Cup games)

1942-01-01 10:09:31

World War II Years

Germany and Brazil both applied to be the host of the FIFA World Cup in 1942. However, after the beginning of WWII, further plans for the World Cup 1942 were canceled. The tournament did not take place during the duration of the war.

1950-07-01 00:00:00

Brazil Hosts the 1950 Cup

The World Cup resumed in 1950 with Brazil playing host.

1958-06-01 10:10:33

Brazil Wins 1958 Cup

The games in 1958 were held in Sweden where Brazil won the title becoming the first team to win a World Cup outside their home continent [only 3 teams have done this to date---Brazil in 1958, 1970, 1994, and 2002, Argentina in 1986, and Spain in 2010].

1966-06-01 10:10:33

A Mascot & Logo are Chosen

This was the first time the World Cup, with England playing host, embraced marketing, featuring a mascot and an official logo.

1974-06-01 10:10:33

A New Trophy is Unveiled

A new trophy was unveiled in the 1974 World Cup, held in West Germany. The tournament saw a new format, where the two top teams from each of the earlier four groups were divided into two groups of four each again, the winner of either group playing each other in the final.

1986-06-01 10:10:33

Argentina's "Hand of God"

The 1986 tournament, held in Mexico, Argentina proved victorious by taking home the coveted title.

1990-06-01 10:10:33

Italy Plays Host

The 1990 World Cup was held in Italy.

1994-06-01 10:10:33

On American Turf

The United States hosted the 1994 games, and was the first World Cup final to be decided on penalties, with Brazil winning over Italy.

2002-06-01 10:10:33

Asia's Turn

In 2002 the World Cup was held in Asia for the first time as Japan and South Korea hosted the event.

2006-06-01 10:10:33

Italy Sweeps for the Win

The 2006 World Cup was held in Germany. It was the first World Cup for which the previous winner had to qualify.

2010-06-01 10:10:33

South Africa Plays Ball

The 2010 World Cup was held in South Africa. It was the first cup hosted on African soil, and the cup was won by Spain.

2014-06-12 10:10:33

¡Que Comecem os Jogos!

Let the Games Begin! The 2014 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 12-July 13 2014 in Brazil, which will be the second time they have hosted the competition. A total of 64 matches are to be played in 12 cities across Brazil. Brazil is the only country to have competed in every World Cup and has won the title five times.

History of the World Cup

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