The tournament has been played 22 times since 1930, producing eight different winners, a handful of unbreakable records and some of the most famous moments in sport.

This guide runs through every edition, the all-time team and individual records, the moments everyone remembers, the odd facts, and where WC 2026 could contribute in the coming weeks. 

Every edition, 1930 to 2022

There have been 22 editions, with a pause between 1938 and 1950 because of the Second World War. The table below tracks the core details of each one. For the goalscoring side of this in more depth, see the all-time top scorers guide.

One footnote on 1950: the decisive game was technically the last fixture of a four-team final group rather than a one-off final, but it has always been treated as the official WC final. 

Team records

A small group of nations dominates the late stages. The headline team records are below.

Behind Brazil's five titles, Germany and Italy have four each, Argentina completed their third title in 2022, and Uruguay and France two apiece, with England and Spain on one. Germany has reached the final more often than anyone, eight times, with Brazil next on seven. Brazil is also the only side to have appeared at every edition. The current 48-team field, including all the contenders, is set out on the WC 2026 teams hub.

Individual records

Some individual marks have stood for decades. These are the ones most often asked about.

Klose's 16 goals came across four tournaments, a model of longevity rather than a single hot streak. Messi's 26 appearances, set on his way to the title in 2022, edged him past Matthaus and Cristiano Ronaldo. For who could climb these lists in 2026, see the top scorers guide.

Iconic moments

A handful of matches shaped how the tournament is remembered.

• 1950, the Maracanazo: in front of a crowd estimated near 200,000, hosts and favourites Brazil lost the decider 2-1 to Uruguay, a result that scarred a nation.
• 1966, England's title: the hosts beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time at Wembley, with a controversial goal that coined the phrase 'they think it's all over, it is now!'
• 1986, the Maradona double: in the quarter-final against England, Diego Maradona scored the handball "Hand of God" and then a 60-metre solo run later voted the goal of the century, within four minutes.
• 1998, Zidane in Paris: two first-half headers from Zinedine Zidane led France to a 3-0 win over Brazil and a first title at home.
• 2002, the Asian run: co-hosts Korea Republic reached the semi-finals under Guus Hiddink, knocking out Italy and Spain along the way.
• 2014, the Mineirazo: hosts Brazil were beaten 7-1 by eventual winners Germany in the semi-final, conceding five inside the first half-hour.
• 2022, Messi's crown: Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw, in a final widely called one of the greatest ever, finally giving Messi his title. Argentina's current side is profiled on the Argentina page.

Each of these still shapes how fans talk about the sport, and several involve the same handful of nations that lead the record books.

Fun facts

Beyond the trophies, the tournament has a rich store of trivia.

• First on television: the 1954 edition in Switzerland was the first shown on TV, with colour broadcasts arriving in 1970 and transforming the sport's global reach.
• The stolen trophy: the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen before the 1966 tournament and found under a hedge by a dog named Pickles. The same trophy was stolen again in 1983 and never recovered.
• First female referee: Stephanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a men's match, taking charge of Costa Rica against Germany in 2022. More on the officials is on the referees page.
• The first red card: red and yellow cards entered the rules in 1970, but the first red was not shown until 1974, to Chile's Carlos Caszely.

Many of these milestones, from the first broadcast to the first female official, mark how far the tournament has travelled in less than a century.

Belgium's history

The Belgians have a strong record of deep runs across several generations. The headline marks are below.

The peak came in 2018, when a gifted generation took bronze by beating England 2-0 in the third-place game, having knocked out Brazil in the quarter-finals. The first deep run was in 1986, a semi-final ended by Maradona's Argentina. On the scoring charts, Marc Wilmots and Romelu Lukaku lead with five each, with Eden Hazard next on three. The current squad is covered on the Belgium at WC 2026 page.

What changes in 2026

The 2026 tournament breaks with a lot of tradition, which is part of why it matters to the history.

Mexico City's Azteca, which staged the 1970 and 1986 finals, hosts the opening match on 11 June 2026, a fitting bridge between the tournament's past and its largest edition yet. For the venues that go with it, see the WC 2026 stadiums guide.

Frequently asked questions

Which country has won the most titles?

Brazil, with five, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Germany and Italy have four each.

Who is the all-time top scorer?

Miroslav Klose of Germany, with 16 goals across four tournaments from 2002 to 2014.

How many editions have there been?

Twenty-two, from 1930 to 2022, with no tournament in 1942 or 1946 because of the Second World War.

What is Belgium's best result?

Third place in 2018, the country's strongest finish, ahead of fourth place in 1986.

Why is 2026 historic?

It is the first edition with 48 teams and 104 matches, the first hosted by three nations, and Azteca becomes the first venue used at three tournaments.

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Explore more WC 2026 content

• Top scorers of all time
• WC 2026 stadiums and venues
• All 48 teams
• Belgium at WC 2026
• WC 2026 hub

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