FIFA World Cup Records

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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.

Diego Maradona of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy and waves while being carried by fans and teammates in a crowded stadium after winning the 1986 final.

Lionel Messi, wearing a black bisht, lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy surrounded by jubilant Argentina teammates celebrating their victory at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

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.

Brazil's forward Ronaldo, wearing number 9, lifts the World Cup trophy above his head while celebrating with teammates after winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan.

Miroslav Klose of Germany and Fabio Cannavaro of Italy compete for the ball during the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinal soccer match in Dortmund.

French soccer player Kylian Mbappe, wearing jersey number 10, takes a shot on goal during the FIFA World Cup quarter final against England at Al Bayt Stadium.

Brazilian footballer Pele in action on the field for Brazil, about to kick a soccer ball during a match, circa 1958.

FIFA World Cup timeline graphic with photos of players, a soccer ball icon, and text highlighting the 1930 Uruguay World Cup to today, including key dates and events.

FIFA World Cup Records: Media

football

Images

Pelé in action

Pelé in action

Brazilian forward Pelé (third from left) during the 1970 World Cup final match between...

dpa/Alamy

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.

History of the FIFA World Cup

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

Diego Maradona of Argentina lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy and waves while being carried by fans and teammates in a crowded stadium after winning the 1986 final.

Maradona celebrating Argentina's 1986 World Cup win

Argentina's Diego Maradona lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy as he is carried off the...

© Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

Lionel Messi, wearing a black bisht, lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy surrounded by jubilant Argentina teammates celebrating their victory at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

Argentina celebrating its 2022 World Cup victory

Team captain Lionel Messi (holding trophy) and other members of Argentina's national...

© Nick Potts—PA Images/Alamy

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.

Carlos Alberto Torres, World Cup winner

Brazil's football team captain Carlos Alberto Torres holding the Jules Rimet Trophy...

Gianni Foggia—AP/Shutterstock.com

Brazil's forward Ronaldo, wearing number 9, lifts the World Cup trophy above his head while celebrating with teammates after winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan.

Brazil, 2002 World Cup champions

Members of the Brazilian national team celebrating after defeating Germany 2–0 in...

Odd Andersen—AFP/Getty Images

Miroslav Klose of Germany and Fabio Cannavaro of Italy compete for the ball during the 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinal soccer match in Dortmund.

Miroslav Klose at the 2006 World Cup

German forward Miroslav Klose dribbles against Italy in the 2006 World Cup semifinal.

© Fabio Diena/Dreamstime.com

French soccer player Kylian Mbappe, wearing jersey number 10, takes a shot on goal during the FIFA World Cup quarter final against England at Al Bayt Stadium.

Kylian Mbappé at the 2022 World Cup

French forward Kylian Mbappé playing for his national team during the 2022 Qatar...

Jamali Amin—ATP/SPP/Shutterstock.com

Brazilian footballer Pele in action on the field for Brazil, about to kick a soccer ball during a match, circa 1958.

Brazilian prodigy Pelé

At 17 years and 239 days old in a match at the 1958 World Cup, Brazilian footballer...

© Pictorial Parade—Archive Photos/Getty Images

Interactives

FIFA World Cup timeline graphic with photos of players, a soccer ball icon, and text highlighting the 1930 Uruguay World Cup to today, including key dates and events.

FIFA World Cup Timeline

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.