Previous Story
FIFA World Cup
|
Posted on Jul 07 2011
One of the most exciting international events in the world is the FIFA World Cup. A total of 203 FIFA member associations from all over the globe compete in rigorous matches hoping to make it into the FIFA World Cup finals and eventually win the golden trophy.
The inaugural FIFA World Cup took place 81 years ago in 1930. It was set up by former FIFA president Jules Rimet and was hosted by Uruguay, who also became the first world champions. The competition is played every four years and has been played every four years, except in 1942 and 1946 when it was not held because of World War II.
The first FIFA World Cup Final began with 13 national teams but the format has now expanded to 32 teams, allowing more teams from Africa, Asia, and North America to qualify. In recent years, teams from these regions have enjoyed more success. Before reaching the finals, teams would have to go through their respective confederations qualifier. World Cup qualifying process can start as early as three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. Nations compete for 31 spots in the final tournament since the host nation is automatically in.
There have been 19 FIFA World Cup tournaments producing winners from eight different national teams. The most successful nation, Brazil, has won five times and is the only team to have played in every tournament. The other World Cup winners are Italy, with four titles; Germany, with three titles; Argentina and inaugural winners Uruguay, with two titles each; and England, France, and Spain, with one title each. In all, 76 nations have played in at least one World Cup.
The next three World Cups will be hosted by Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, and Qatar in 2022.
[I]Source: NMIFA[/I]
