Search Nerddpedia

Sports Encyclopedia Entry 1776184264

** The **FIFA World Cup**, an international soccer tournament, is the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, held every four years to determine the best national soccer team. ## Overview The **FIFA World Cup** is the pinnacle of international soccer, bringing together the best national teams from around the globe to compete for the coveted title. The tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1930 when the first edition was held in Uruguay. Since then, it has grown in popularity, with the 2018 edition in Russia attracting a record-breaking 3.572 billion viewers worldwide. The tournament is organized by **Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)**, the governing body of international soccer. The **FIFA World Cup** is a 32-team tournament, with teams competing in a group stage followed by a knockout stage. The teams are divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The knockout stage consists of a round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The tournament is played over a period of 32 days, with the final match determining the champion. The **FIFA World Cup** is not only a sporting event but also a cultural phenomenon, with teams and players becoming international celebrities. The tournament has been won by some of the greatest soccer teams in history, including Brazil, Germany, and Italy. The **FIFA World Cup** has also been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in soccer history, including Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and Zinedine Zidane's head-butt in the 2006 final. ## History/Background The idea of an international soccer tournament dates back to 1928, when the **FIFA Congress** decided to organize a tournament to be held in Uruguay in 1930. The first **FIFA World Cup** was held from July 13 to July 30, 1930, with 13 teams participating. The tournament was won by the host team, Uruguay, who defeated Argentina 4-2 in the final. The **FIFA World Cup** has since been held every four years, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, when the tournament was cancelled due to World War II. The **FIFA World Cup** has undergone several changes over the years, including the introduction of the group stage in 1992 and the expansion of the tournament from 24 teams to 32 teams in 1998. The tournament has also been hosted by several countries, including Brazil, Germany, Italy, and South Africa. The 2018 edition in Russia was the first **FIFA World Cup** to be held in Eastern Europe. ## Key Information * **Most successful team:** Brazil, with five titles * **Most successful player:** Miroslav Klose, with 16 goals * **Youngest player:** Pelé, who made his debut at the age of 17 in 1958 * **Oldest player:** Faryd Mondragón, who played in the 2014 tournament at the age of 43 * **Most goals scored in a single tournament:** 16 goals, achieved by Miroslav Klose in 2006 * **Most titles won by a player:** 3 titles, achieved by Pelé, Cafu, and Mário Zagallo ## Significance The **FIFA World Cup** is the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world, with a global audience of over 3.5 billion people. The tournament has a significant impact on the global economy, with the 2018 edition generating over $6 billion in revenue. The **FIFA World Cup** also has a profound impact on the social and cultural landscape of the host country, with the tournament often being seen as a symbol of national pride. The **FIFA World Cup** has also been a platform for social and political activism, with players and teams using the tournament to raise awareness about issues such as racism, poverty, and human rights. The tournament has also been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in soccer history, including Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and Zinedine Zidane's head-butt in the 2006 final. INFOBOX: - **Name:** FIFA World Cup - **Type:** International soccer tournament - **Date:** Every four years - **Location:** Various countries - **Known For:** Determining the best national soccer team in the world TAGS: **FIFA World Cup**, **International soccer**, **Soccer tournament**, **Sports**, **Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)**, **Brazil**, **Germany**, **Italy**, **Uruguay**, **Diego Maradona**, **Zinedine Zidane**, **Pelé**, **Miroslav Klose**.