History of the FIFA World Cup (1930-2022)
The History of the Soccer World Cups, the World Cup or the World Cup. From the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 to Russia in 2018. Mega Report with all the results, dates, and data of the World Cup events SERIES summary with a VIDEO per edition.
Analysis of all the data, scorers, finals, anecdotes, and curiosities of the world cups. It includes a forecast of the next World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and the one in 2026 that will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
History of the Football World Cup (1930-2022)Â
How many World Cups have been played?
Counting Russia 2018, 21 World Cups have been played so far. 11 of them have been played on the European continent, 8 in America, 1 in Asia, and another in Africa.
All World Cups in history: from Uruguay 1930 to Qatar 2022
WORLD CUP URUGUAY 1930
The first World Cup in history was played in Uruguay in 1930. FIFA’s decision did not sit well with the European countries that refused to participate. The hosts won the Jules Rimet Cup by beating Argentina 4-2 in the final.
This was the World Cup in Uruguay in 1930!
WORLD CUP ITALY 1934
The second World Cup was organized in Europe (Italy) and as it happened four years before, it would be won by the host team. Italy beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the final in a World Cup marked by arbitration controversies and the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini.
This was the World Cup in Italy in 1934!
FRANCE WORLD CUP 1938
Italy defended the title in France after beating Hungary (4-2) in the final. The Azzurra became the first country to defend the title by raising it again.
This was the World Cup in France in 1938!
WORLD CUP BRAZIL 1950
After World War II, Brazil organized the 1950 Cup. The hosts looked like champions but fell in the decisive match against Uruguay (2-1). The “Maracanazo” was one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets.
This was the World Cup in Brazil in 1950!
SWITZERLAND WORLD CUP 1954
Four years later the World Cup returned to Europe with another of the great surprises in the World Cup finals. Germany conquered its first World Cup after beating the almighty Hungary of Puskás, Czibor, Kocsis, or Hidegkuti 3-2 in the final. That victory is known as “The Miracle of Bern”.
This was the World Cup in Switzerland in 1954!
SWEDEN WORLD CUP 1958
The first World Cup conquered by Brazil would arrive in Sweden. The one in 1958 was the World Cup in which the figure of Pelé emerged, who scored two goals in the final against the Swedes at just 17 years old. The Canaria won 5-2 in Stockholm.
 This was the World Cup in Sweden in 1958!
WORLD CHILE 1962
Brazil revalidated the title in Chile conquering its second star. The Brazilians beat Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the final. That World Cup will be remembered as one of the most violent in history. So much so, that the duel between Chile and Italy became known as “The Battle of Santiago”.
This was the World Cup in Chile in 1962!
WORLD CUP ENGLAND 1966
The inventors of football hosted the 1966 World Cup. The English beat Germany in the final (4-2) after extra time. Hurst scored 3 goals although one of them did not cross the goal line. It was undoubtedly one of the most controversial goals in history.
 This was the 1966 World Cup in England!
MEXICO WORLD CUP 1970
Brazil won its third wound in Mexico 70. The Brazilians beat Italy 4-1 in the final and won the Jules Rime Cup. For many, that was the best World Cup of all time.
This was the World Cup in Mexico in 1970!
WORLD CUP GERMANY 1974
The German team was proclaimed champion at home. The hosts beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the final. Johan Cruyff and “A Clockwork Orange” revolutionized football at the time despite the defeat.
 This was the 1974 World Cup in Germany!
ARGENTINA WORLD CUP 1978
General Videla’s dictatorship ruled Argentina and organized a World Cup that the hosts won. The Albiceleste beat the Netherlands 3-1 in extra time and won their first World Championship. That title remains under suspicion for the alleged match-fixing against Peru.
This was the World Cup in Argentina in 1978!
SPAIN WORLD CUP 1982
I Talia won her third World Cup in Spain in 1982. The Azzurra beat Germany 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. Paolo Rossi was the star of that World Championship. The striker won the first Golden Ball of the World Cup as well as being the top scorer with 6 goals.
This was the World Cup in Spain!
MEXICO WORLD CUP 1986
The Aztec country was organizing its second World Cup and Argentina lifted its second title. That World Cup marked the consecration of Diego Armando Maradona with the “Hand of God” and the Goal of the century.Â
This was the World Cup in Mexico in 1986!
ITALY WORLD CUP 1990
Argentina repeated the final in Italy but could not defend the championship. Germany won 1-0 with a controversial penalty just minutes from time. The Mannschaft won the third World Cup in its history.
This was the 1990 World Cup in Italy!
UNITED STATES WORLD CUP 1994
Brazil won its fourth World title in the United States against Italy on penalties. It was the first time that a final was decided from eleven meters. Romario was the star of the tournament along with Roberto Baggio.
This was the World Cup in the United States!
FRANCE WORLD CUP 1998
Les Bleus won their first World Cup in front of their fans. France beat Brazil in the final in Paris 3-0. Zinedine Zidane was the great figure of the final after scoring two headed goals.
This was the 1998 World Cup in France!
JAPAN AND KOREA WORLD CUP 2002
For the first time, a World Cup was played in Asia and was organized jointly by two countries. Ronaldo took revenge for the defeat suffered four years earlier and led Brazil to the title. Brazil was proclaimed World Champion.Â
This was the World Cup in Japan/Korea in 2002!
WORLD CUP GERMANY 2006
Germany organized a great World Cup four years later. Italy beat France on penalties after drawing 1-1 in the 12th minute. That final will be remembered for Zidane’s header against Materazzi. The French captain retired from football expelled and said goodbye to the title. The Azzurra lifted the fourth title in its history.
This was the 2006 World Cup in Germany!
SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP 2010
The Spanish team together with the best generation in its history in South Africa in 2010. Africa hosted the first World Cup in History and Spain raised its first World Cup. Andrés Iniesta scored the only goal of the final against the Netherlands in the 116th minute.
 This was the 2010 World Cup in South Africa!
2014 BRAZIL WORLD
In Brazil, Germany was proclaimed Four-time World Champion. The Germans reached the final after beating the hosts with a historic 1-7 in the semi-finals. Mario Götze scored the only goal of the final against Argentina in extra time.
This was the 2014 World Cup in Brazil!
RUSSIA WORLD CUP 2018
France won its second title in Russia in 2018. Les Bleus beat Croatia 4-2 in the final. The Balkans were the big surprise of the tournament. The entry into force of the VAR (Video Refereeing) reduced refereeing errors.
This was the 2018 World Cup in Russia!
WORLD QATAR 2022
The 2022 World Cup will be held in the Middle East and will be held for the first time in the autumn. The high temperatures will force the championship to begin with the leagues already started (from November 21 to December 18).
This will be the World Cup in Qatar 2022!
MEXICO, USA, and CANADA 2026
For the first time in history, three countries will organize a World Cup. The North American World Cup will have a new format with 48 teams qualified for the final phase.
