Football World Cup History
The World Cup refers to the international tournament of national soccer teams held every four years by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA.) The men's tournament was established in 1930 while the first women's tournament was held in 1991.
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Origins
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The World Cup was originally established as an alternative to the international competition held every four years in the Olympic games, which at that time only allowed participation by amateur players. The inaugural 1930 World Cup was held in Uruguay. With sea travel as their means of transportation, only four European teams attended the tournament. The host nation, Uruguay, defeated Argentina to claim the first World Cup championship.
Growth
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Because the Olympics were inclusive of other sports and remained non-accepting of professional players, the World Cup quickly dwarfed Olympic soccer in terms of international popularity. Improvements in air travel allowed for more teams and their spectators to travel to World Cup events, making each tournament a spectacle of the game.
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Men's World Cup Winners
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Brazil has won five of the 18 World Cup tournaments. Italy has won the event four times, Germany three. Argentina and Uruguay have compiled two victories apiece, while England and France have each won the event once.
Women's World Cup Winners
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Germany and the United States have each won two women's World Cups since the event's establishment.
Upcoming Tournaments
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The men's 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa. The 2011 Women's World Cup will be held in Germany.
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