Every World Cup in history: from 1930 to 2026

From Uruguay, the first-ever host, to Qatar, the most recent, the World Cup has united millions of fans since 1930 every four years in stadiums, pubs and in front of televisions. The fervour is not confined to the host nation; supporters gather before giant screens in iconic locations around the world to soak up the tournament atmosphere.

The early tournaments produced home champions: Uruguay won in 1930 and Italy lifted the trophy on home soil in 1934 and again in 1938. The Second World War meant the tournaments scheduled for 1942 and 1946 were not held. Post-war highlights include Uruguay’s 1950 victory in Brazil — the Maracanazo — Germany’s first title in Switzerland in 1954 and Brazil’s rise with wins in 1958 and 1962.

England won at Wembley in 1966, Brazil claimed another title in Mexico in 1970, and hosts continued to fare well with West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978 and Italy in 1982. Mexico staged a tournament dominated by Diego Maradona in 1986, while Germany beat Argentina in the 1990 final in Italy.

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