The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, bringing together nations from across the globe every four years to compete for the sport's most prestigious trophy.
Since its inception in 1930, the tournament has delivered unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and a rich legacy.
Below is a comprehensive history of each World Cup, including key details such as the host country, the winner, and the top scorer.
1930 – Uruguay
- Host: Uruguay
- Winner: Uruguay
- Top Scorer: Guillermo Stábile (Argentina) – 8 goals
The inaugural World Cup was held in Uruguay to celebrate the country's centenary of independence and their Olympic success. Only 13 teams participated, and all matches were played in Montevideo. Uruguay triumphed in the final, defeating Argentina 4-2 in front of a passionate home crowd.
1934 – Italy
- Host: Italy
- Winner: Italy
- Top Scorer: Oldřich Nejedlý (Czechoslovakia) – 5 goals
The second edition saw the tournament move to Europe and introduced a knockout format from the outset. Italy, led by coach Vittorio Pozzo and backed by the Mussolini regime, claimed their first title with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Czechoslovakia.
1938 – France
- Host: France
- Winner: Italy
- Top Scorer: Leônidas (Brazil) – 7 goals
Held amidst growing tensions in Europe, the 1938 World Cup was the last before World War II. Italy retained their title, becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cups by defeating Hungary 4-2 in the final.
1950 – Brazil
- Host: Brazil
- Winner: Uruguay
- Top Scorer: Ademir (Brazil) – 8 goals
After a 12-year hiatus due to the war, the World Cup returned with a unique format. The final was a round-robin group, but the decisive match became known as the "Maracanazo" as Uruguay shocked Brazil 2-1 in front of nearly 200,000 fans.
1954 – Switzerland
- Host: Switzerland
- Winner: West Germany
- Top Scorer: Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 goals
Dubbed the "Miracle of Bern," West Germany stunned the world by beating Hungary’s fabled "Mighty Magyars" 3-2 in the final, overturning an earlier 8-3 defeat in the group stage.
1958 – Sweden
- Host: Sweden
- Winner: Brazil
- Top Scorer: Just Fontaine (France) – 13 goals
The 1958 tournament introduced the world to 17-year-old Pelé, who starred as Brazil claimed their first title by beating Sweden 5-2 in the final. Fontaine’s goal tally remains a single-tournament record.
1962 – Chile
- Host: Chile
- Winner: Brazil
- Top Scorer: Garrincha, Vavá, Leonel Sánchez, and others – 4 goals each
Despite an earthquake devastating parts of Chile before the tournament, the competition went ahead successfully. Brazil, led by Garrincha, defended their crown with a 3-1 win over Czechoslovakia in the final.
1966 – England
- Host: England
- Winner: England
- Top Scorer: Eusébio (Portugal) – 9 goals
England’s only World Cup triumph came on home soil. Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick in the final, including the famous controversial goal, as the hosts beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time.
1970 – Mexico
- Host: Mexico
- Winner: Brazil
- Top Scorer: Gerd Müller (West Germany) – 10 goals
Often hailed as the greatest team in history, Brazil’s 1970 squad dazzled with flair and precision. Pelé became the first player to win three World Cups as Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 in a stunning final.
1974 – West Germany
- Host: West Germany
- Winner: West Germany
- Top Scorer: Grzegorz Lato (Poland) – 7 goals
The tournament introduced the current trophy and a new format with a second group stage. The hosts triumphed over the Netherlands and their 'Total Football' approach in a tense 2-1 final.
1978 – Argentina
- Host: Argentina
- Winner: Argentina
- Top Scorer: Mario Kempes (Argentina) – 6 goals
Amid political unrest, Argentina won their first World Cup, inspired by Mario Kempes. The final saw them beat the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time in a raucous Buenos Aires atmosphere.
1982 – Spain
- Host: Spain
- Winner: Italy
- Top Scorer: Paolo Rossi (Italy) – 6 goals
Expanded to 24 teams, the 1982 World Cup saw Italy rise from the group stage and knock out heavyweights Argentina and Brazil. Paolo Rossi's hat-trick against Brazil became legendary as Italy beat West Germany 3-1 in the final.
1986 – Mexico
- Host: Mexico
- Winner: Argentina
- Top Scorer: Gary Lineker (England) – 6 goals
Diego Maradona delivered one of the greatest individual tournaments ever. His "Hand of God" and sublime solo goal against England remain iconic. Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 in a thrilling final.
1990 – Italy
- Host: Italy
- Winner: West Germany
- Top Scorer: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) – 6 goals
A defensively oriented tournament ended with West Germany winning their third title. Lothar Matthäus led the team, and Andreas Brehme's late penalty secured a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final.
1994 – USA
- Host: United States
- Winner: Brazil
- Top Scorer: Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria), Oleg Salenko (Russia) – 6 goals
The final between Brazil and Italy ended goalless and was decided on penalties, with Roberto Baggio famously missing the decisive kick. Brazil claimed a record fourth title.
1998 – France
- Host: France
- Winner: France
- Top Scorer: Davor Šuker (Croatia) – 6 goals
France won their first World Cup on home soil, powered by Zinedine Zidane’s two-headed goals in the final. They beat Brazil 3-0 in a dominant performance at the Stade de France.
2002 – South Korea & Japan
- Hosts: South Korea and Japan
- Winner: Brazil
- Top Scorer: Ronaldo (Brazil) – 8 goals
The first World Cup in Asia and the first co-hosted tournament saw Brazil win their fifth title. Ronaldo’s redemption arc was complete as he scored twice in the final against Germany.
2006 – Germany
- Host: Germany
- Winner: Italy
- Top Scorer: Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 5 goals
The final is remembered for Zidane’s infamous headbutt. Italy won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with France, claiming their fourth World Cup title.
2010 – South Africa
- Host: South Africa
- Winner: Spain
- Top Scorer: Thomas Müller (Germany) – 5 goals
Spain's golden generation claimed their first title, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time. Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal in a tense, physical final.
2014 – Brazil
- Host: Brazil
- Winner: Germany
- Top Scorer: James RodrĂguez (Colombia) – 6 goals
Germany’s campaign was capped by their famous 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semi-final. Mario Götze's extra-time goal secured a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final.
2018 – Russia
- Host: Russia
- Winner: France
- Top Scorer: Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals
France's youthful and dynamic squad stormed to victory, beating Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining final. Kylian Mbappé announced himself on the world stage with a standout tournament.
2022 – Qatar
- Host: Qatar
- Winner: Argentina
- Top Scorer: Kylian Mbappé (France) – 8 goals
In one of the most dramatic finals in history, Argentina won on penalties after a 3-3 draw with France. Lionel Messi lifted the trophy at last, cementing his legendary status.
2026 – USA, Canada & Mexico (upcoming)
- Hosts: United States, Canada, and Mexico
- Winner: TBD
- Top Scorer: TBD
The 2026 edition will expand to 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries, promising the biggest and most inclusive tournament yet.
Stay tuned to FootballGambler.co.uk for updates, previews, and betting insights as we count down to the next World Cup!
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