The FIFA World Cup: Fun Facts and More!

By Paula Feitosa

This year, the famous FIFA World Cup will take place in Qatar. Did you know, a different country hosts the World Cup every iteration (that happens every 4 years)? For the World Cup, each country puts together a team to represent them in the international competition. In order for a country to qualify for the World Cup, they have to pass a qualifying tournament. While not as big of a deal in the United States, outside of it, The World Cup is a gigantic event that most involved countries take time off of work to celebrate. To learn more about this exciting tournament through quick and fun facts, keep reading!

• FIFA stands for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
• During the last World Cup, France won the competition, earning the championship title
• The most wins for a country belongs to Brazil at 5 World Cup wins.
• The FIFA World Cup was founded 92 years ago in 1930!
• For each event, the mascot changes depending on the host of the World Cup (This year is a La’eeb (a super skilled player).

• Qatar (the 2022 Cup Host) is the smallest country to host the World Cup.
• 2022’s World Cup will feature its first female referees
• The World Cup trophy has only been changed once! *See reference photo*

• The 2022 World Cup will be the final competition for stand-out players Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Neymar (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Thiago Silva (Brazil), Robert Lewandowisk (Poland), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), and Thomas Muller (Germany).

Now that you know a couple facts about the famous tournament, you can watch and support your favorite team! The 2022 FIFA World Cup starts on November 20, with the opening match being Qatar vs. Ecuador. The United States will play on November 21 against Wales, and the 2021 World Champ (France) will go up against Australia on the 22 of November.

FOX Sports will be streaming the World Cup, as will several other streaming platforms (although subscriptions may be required). For more information about the World Cup, click here!