History of the World Cup — 1930 to 2022

The idea of a football world cup was born in the mind of Frenchman Jules Rimet, FIFA president at the time. In 1930, thirteen teams gathered in Montevideo, Uruguay, for the first World Cup. The host country won the final against Argentina 4–2, in front of 93,000 fans at the Centenario Stadium.

The 1934 (Italy) and 1938 (France) editions were marked by the turbulent political context of pre-war Europe. Italy won both editions. World War II interrupted the competition for 12 years.

The return, in 1950, took place in Brazil. The newly built Maracanã was the stage for one of the country's greatest sporting tragedies: the Maracanazo. Uruguay defeated Brazil 2–1 in the decisive match, silencing almost 200,000 fans.

In 1958, in Sweden, a 17-year-old boy named Edson Arantes do Nascimento — Pelé — dazzled the world. Brazil won its first world title with an offensive and joyful style of football. Pelé scored 6 goals in the tournament.

In 1962, in Chile, Brazil confirmed its supremacy even with Pelé injured in the second game. Garrincha took center stage and carried the team to the consecutive championship.

The 1970 World Cup in Mexico is considered by many to be the greatest in history. Brazil's legendary team (Pelé, Tostão, Gérson, Jairzinho, Rivelino) won all 6 games, defeating Italy 4–1 in the final.

The 1970s brought the tactical revolution of the Netherlands under Johan Cruyff with "Total Football" — a system where everyone attacked and defended.

Argentina won its first title in 1978 on home soil. The 1982 edition in Spain was marked by the tragic elimination of Telê Santana's Brazil, and Italy went on to win the cup.

In 1986, in Mexico, Diego Maradona starred in the most individual World Cup in history, scoring the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" against England.

The United States hosted the 1994 World Cup, where Brazil ended a 24-year drought by winning the title on penalties against Italy.

In 1998, France delighted the world as hosts. Zinedine Zidane scored two header goals in the final to lead the Bleus to their first title.

The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan brought redemption for Ronaldo, who scored twice in the final to secure Brazil's fifth title.

Brazil hosted the 2014 World Cup, but the campaign ended in a humiliating 7–1 semi-final loss to Germany, who won the final against Argentina.

Russia 2018 saw Mbappe's France win their second world title, defeating Croatia 4–2 in the final.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be forever remembered as Lionel Messi's farewell. In one of the greatest finals in history, Argentina defeated France on penalties after a 3–3 draw.