Tournaments
The tournament has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War.
Teams
A majority of national association football teams in the world are members of FIFA or one of its affiliated continental confederations.
Hosts
The host country is now chosen in a vote by FIFA's Council.
Mascots
The trend began with World Cup Willie in 1966 FIFA World Cup, one of the first mascots to be associated with a major sporting competition.
Balls
From the 1970 FIFA World Cup, different official match balls have been used by FIFA.
Trophies
Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, two different trophies have been used: the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970 and thereafter the FIFA World Cup Trophy from 1974 to the present day.
Results
The World Cup final match is the last of the competition, played by the only two teams remaining in contention, and the result determines which country is declared the world champion.
Awards
At the end of each World Cup, awards are presented to the players and teams for accomplishments other than their final team positions in the tournament.
Records & Statistics
Fascinating facts by tournaments, players, teams and the most successful countries in the competition's history.