The exciting history of FIFA World Cups: From the beginning to the present day

The FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious competition in the world of football, is approaching its 23rd edition. This tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, has witnessed numerous unforgettable events, records, and intense moments throughout history. This glorious competition, held every four years, was cancelled twice due to the Second World War. Since its start in 1930, 8 different countries have earned the title of world champion. Brazil holds the lead in this list with 5 championships.

First steps and 1930 The World Cup, established through the efforts of then-FIFA President Jules Rimet, was held for the first time in 1930 in Uruguay. The selection of Uruguay as host, due to its Olympic championships in 1924 and 1928 and the celebration of the 100th anniversary of its independence, caused discontent among European teams. Due to the long journey, only four countries from Europe participated: Belgium, France, Romania, and Yugoslavia. In the first tournament, which featured 13 teams, Uruguay became the first champion in history by defeating Argentina 4:2 in the final. Interestingly, the referee of the final match, John Langenus, entered the field in a jacket and tie.

1934 and 1938: The dominance of Italy In 1934, Italy won the right to host the tournament. Uruguay, unhappy with the low participation of European countries, did not participate this time. Italy went down in history as the first and only host to play a qualifying match. In the 1938 championship held in France, Italy defeated Hungary 4:2, and Vittorio Pozzo became the first and only coach to win the championship twice in a row.

1950 – 1966: New histories and breaks After the Second World War, a historic final took place in Brazil in 1950. Uruguay's victory over Brazil led to a week of national mourning in the country. In the 1954 championship held in Switzerland, Turkey participated in a World Cup for the first time. In 1958 in Sweden, Brazil became world champion for the first time, and the period of Pele's star rising began. In the 1966 championship held in England, England won its only championship in history by defeating West Germany 4:2 in the final.

1970s: Color broadcasts and new rules In the 1970 championship held in Mexico, player substitutions and the yellow and red card system were used for the first time. All matches were shown live in color. Brazil became champion for the third time and became the permanent owner of the Jules Rimet trophy. In 1974, the tournament was held under the new name — FIFA World Cup in West Germany. In 1978, Argentina became champion at home in a controversial situation by defeating Peru 6:0.

1980s and 1990s: Maradona and glorious moments In 1982, the number of teams in Spain was increased to 24. In 1986, in Mexico, Diego Armando Maradona's famous "Hand of God" goal against England and his beautiful goal in the same match became the most memorable moments in football history. In 1990, in Italy, West Germany became champion, and Franz Beckenbauer became the second person to win the trophy as both a player and a coach. In 1994, in the USA, the world champion was determined by penalty kicks for the first time. In the 1998 championship held in France, the number of teams reached 32, and France became champion for the first time.

2000s and today: New developments In 2002, Japan and South Korea jointly hosted the tournament, witnessing the first championship held in Asia. Brazil won its fifth championship. In the 2006 final in Germany, the incident between Zidane and Materazzi attracted public attention, and Italy became champion on penalties. In 2010, Africa was the host for the first time, and Spain celebrated the championship for the first time in its history. In 2014, Germany achieved victory in Brazil with a 7:1 score and reached the championship.

2018 and 2022: Russia and Qatar In 2018, France became champion for the second time in Russia. The 2022 championship held in Qatar was notable for being moved to November-December due to the hot weather. Argentina defeated France in the final, and Lionel Messi managed to become a world champion for the first time in his career. Morocco went down in history as the first African state to reach the semi-finals.