Discover the history behind the FIFA World Cup
Learn more about the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Transcript
The World Cup is a football tournament hosted every four years by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, also known as FIFA.
First organized in 1930 and first won by Uruguay, the World Cup has been held every four years since, the only exception being during and immediately after World War II.
Since 1991, FIFA has also hosted a women’s World Cup, whose inaugural tournament was won by the United States.
Unlike in Olympic football, World Cup teams aren’t limited by age or amateur status.
Since players from professional as well as amateur teams are free to take part, the World Cup serves as a competition between the best football stars in the world, and top players have a chance to become national heroes if they win it all for their country.
Today the FIFA World Cup is likely the most popular sporting event in the world, with every tournament drawing billions of eager television viewers.
First organized in 1930 and first won by Uruguay, the World Cup has been held every four years since, the only exception being during and immediately after World War II.
Since 1991, FIFA has also hosted a women’s World Cup, whose inaugural tournament was won by the United States.
Unlike in Olympic football, World Cup teams aren’t limited by age or amateur status.
Since players from professional as well as amateur teams are free to take part, the World Cup serves as a competition between the best football stars in the world, and top players have a chance to become national heroes if they win it all for their country.
Today the FIFA World Cup is likely the most popular sporting event in the world, with every tournament drawing billions of eager television viewers.