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FIFA World Cup: Memorable Moments and History: Quick Facts

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News •

German skier Emma Aicher wins her first World Cup slalom race • Nov. 14, 2026, 10:56 AM ET (AP)
The coach who energized U.S. soccer at the World Cup is on the verge of leaving for a job in England • Nov. 12, 2026, 5:32 PM ET (AP)
FIFA releases evaluation reports for the 2031 and 2035 Women's World Cup • Nov. 11, 2026, 6:30 PM ET (AP)
FIFA politics around Infantino re-election bid compels Japanese official to quit • Oct. 28, 2026, 8:57 PM ET (AP)
Brazil's Olympic skiing champion Pinheiro Braathen wins season-opening giant slalom • Oct. 25, 2026, 10:29 AM ET (AP)

Facts

Also Known As World Cup
Notable Honorees Lionel Messi • Ronaldinho • Kylian Mbappé • Pelé • Miroslav Klose • Ronaldo Nazário • Romário • Kaká • Ousmane Dembélé • Rodri • Zinedine Zidane • Thierry Henry • Jürgen Klinsmann • Diego Maradona • Carli Lloyd • Franz Beckenbauer • Manuel Neuer • Johan Cruyff • Andrés Iniesta • Lamine Yamal • Fabio Cannavaro • Lothar Matthäus • Bobby Moore • Bobby Charlton • Garrincha

Photos and Videos

Aerial view of Mexico City Stadium, also known as Estadio Azteca, showing the oval-shaped arena with a green soccer field, surrounded by stands and city buildings.
Brazil captain Carlos Alberto Torres holds the Jules Rimet trophy above his head, celebrating with fans and teammates after winning the 1970 World Cup at Azteca Stadium.
The FIFA World Cup trophy, a gold sculpture with two human figures holding up a globe, is displayed against a dark background.
Black and white photo of Uruguay scoring their first goal against Argentina in the 1930 World Cup Final, with players and crowd visible in the stadium.
Infographic summarizing FIFA World Cup history, including record attendances, most appearances and top goal scorers, a timeline of winners, and a map of 2026 host cities across North America.
Lionel Messi, wearing Argentina number 10 jersey, looks upward with his hands raised in prayer as he celebrates scoring his team second goal during a FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri.
The Uruguay national soccer team poses together on the field before the 1930 World Cup final, with eleven players in uniform, some kneeling and some standing.
Members of the Italian World Cup squad carry manager Vittorio Pozzo on their shoulders after Italys 2-1 extra-time victory over Czechoslovakia in the World Cup final in Rome.
Infographic summarizing FIFA World Cup history, including record tournament attendances, most appearances and top goal scorers by player and country, a map of 2026 host cities, and a timeline of past winners and milestones.
Black-and-white aerial photograph of a large crowd at MaracanĂŁ Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
U.S. women's soccer players in red jerseys celebrate during a FIFA World Cup match, with Megan Rapinoe smiling and holding teammate Lindsey Horan.
A hand holds up the FIFA World Cup trophy against a bright, cloudy sky, symbolizing victory in men's World Cup soccer.
The chemistry behind a World Cup soccer ball
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Related Topics and References

Topics

Key People

FIFA president Gianni Infantino stands with United 2026 bid officials, all in suits, holding a framed certificate after announcing Canada, Mexico, and the US as 2026 World Cup hosts.
Gianni Infantino
Swiss football (soccer) administrator
Sepp Blatter, president of FIFA, stands at a podium gesturing with one hand while speaking, with international flags and a soccer ball visible in the background.
Sepp Blatter
Swiss sports executive
German footballer Birgit Prinz
Birgit Prinz
German football (soccer) player

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