FIFA World Cup: Memorable Moments and History

Images, Videos & Interactives

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.

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.

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.

A hand holds up the FIFA World Cup trophy against a bright, cloudy sky, symbolizing victory in men's World Cup soccer.

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.

June 2026 calendar showing 2026 FIFA World Cup match days with colored dots for host countries: green for Mexico, red for Canada, and blue for United States.

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.

FIFA World Cup: Memorable Moments and History: Media

football tournament

Videos

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.

The History Behind the FIFA World Cup

Watch this video to learn more about the history of the FIFA World Cup.

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

A hand holds up the FIFA World Cup trophy against a bright, cloudy sky, symbolizing victory in men's World Cup soccer.

Which Countries Have Won the Most Men's World Cup Titles?

Learn more about which countries have won the most men's World Cup titles since 1930.

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

The chemistry behind a World Cup soccer ball

The chemistry behind a World Cup soccer ball

Explore the chemistry of the football (soccer ball) used in the 2014 World Cup.

Video: © American Chemical Society (A Britannica Publishing Partner)

Images

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.

Mexico City Stadium

An aerial view of the Mexico City Stadium, officially named Estadio Banorte (formerly...

© Hector Vivas/Getty Images

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

The FIFA World Cup trophy, a gold sculpture with two human figures holding up a globe, is displayed against a dark background.

New FIFA World Cup trophy

FIFA commissioned a new World Cup trophy to replace the original Jules Rimet Trophy,...

© Hannah Peters/Getty Images

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.

1930 World Cup

Uruguay scoring its first goal in the World Cup final against Argentina, in Montevideo,...

AP Images

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.

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.

Lionel Messi at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring his second goal during the FIFA...

© Omar Vega/Getty Images

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.

Uruguay, 1930 World Cup winners

Members of the Uruguay national football (soccer) team that won the 1930 FIFA World...

© Hulton Picture Library/Allsport—Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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.

Italian football team in 1934

Members of the Italian World Cup-winning squad carry their manager, Vittorio Pozzo,...

© Keystone—Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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.

FIFA World Cup records

This is an infographic highlighting prominent records set at FIFA World Cups, accurate...

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

Black-and-white aerial photograph of a large crowd at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Maracanã Stadium in 1950

An aerial view of the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

© Ullstein bild Dtl/Getty Images

Black and white photo of a crowded stadium as Brazilian soccer legend Pele scores a goal during the 1958 World Cup final, helping Brazil win its first title; defenders and the goalkeeper react as the ball heads toward the net.

Pelé the legend

In 1958 Brazil's Pelé, at 17, became the youngest player to score in the final of...

© TT News Agency/Alamy

Geoff Hurst's ghost goal

Geoff Hurst's ghost goal

English striker Geoff Hurst scored a controversial extra-time goal against West Germany...

© Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Black and white image of Bobby Moore, captain of the England national football team, holding up the Jules Rimet Trophy as he is carried on the shoulders of his teammates after Englands victory over the West Germany national football team in the FIFA World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in London on July 30, 1966.

Bobby Moore

English captain Bobby Moore holds the Jules Rimet trophy after England defeated West...

© Evening Standard—Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Brazil's Carlos Alberto celebrates after scoring past Italian goalkeeper Enrico Albertosi, with teammates Tostao and Pele running toward him, during the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico City.

Brazil at the 1970 World Cup

Italian goalkeeper Enrico Albertosi lying on the pitch as Brazilian goal scorer Carlos...

© Heidtmann—picture alliance/Getty Images

The Jules Rimet Trophy, originally known as Victory, later renamed in 1946 after FIFA longest-serving president, Jules Rimet.

Jules Rimet Trophy

Originally known simply as Victory, in 1946 the trophy was renamed for FIFA's longest-serving...

© Peter Robinson/EMPICS—PA Images/Getty Images

The FIFA World Cup trophy stands on display at FIFA Home of Football in Zurich on November 20, 2025, ahead of the 2026 World Cup and European Play-Off draws. The golden trophy shines brightly, symbolising international football competition and achievement.

2026 World Cup

The trophy is awarded to the winner of the quadrennial FIFA World Cup tournament.

© Fabrice Coffrini—AFP/Getty Images

Animated gif of Robin Van Persie diving forward to head a football (soccer ball) and score for the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup.

The Flying Dutchman at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Dutch forward Robin Van Persie launching into a spectacular diving header and scoring...

© Ryan Pierse—FIFA/Getty Images; Animation Encyclopædia Britannica Inc.

Animated gif of Kylian Mbappe in a blue France jersey kicking a soccer ball during a World Cup match, with a blurred stadium crowd in the background.

Kylian Mbappé's 2022 hat trick

France's Kylian Mbappé became the second player to score a hat trick in a FIFA World...

© Dan Mullan/Getty Images; Animation Encyclopædia Britannica Inc.

Diego Maradona of Argentina, in a blue and white striped jersey, dribbles the ball past a South Korean defender during the 1986 World Cup opening match.

Argentina vs. South Korea

Argentine footballer Diego Maradona (right) and a South Korean defender playing in...

Colorsport

Romario of Brazil, wearing a yellow jersey and gold medal, holds the FIFA World Cup trophy above his head on the field after the 1994 final in Los Angeles.

World Cup glory

Romário holding the trophy aloft after leading Brazil to victory over Italy in the...

Simon Bruty/Getty Images

Wayne Rooney of England in a white jersey with number 9, crouched and focused during a 2006 FIFA World Cup quarter-final soccer match against Portugal.

Wayne Rooney

England's Wayne Rooney in action against Portugal during a FIFA World Cup quarter-final...

© Jonathan Larsen/Shutterstock.com

Zinedine Zidane of France dribbles the ball while being closely pursued by Andrea Pirlo of Italy during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final in Berlin.

World Cup final, 2006

Zinedine Zidane (left) of France being pursued by Andrea Pirlo of Italy during the...

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Sport

Ousmane Dembele of France, wearing jersey number 11, dribbles a soccer ball on the field during a FIFA World Cup match against Australia in Qatar.

2022 FIFA World Cup

French football player Ousmane Dembélé dribbling the ball during a match at the 2022...

© Brad Smith—ISI Photos/Getty Images

Interactives

June 2026 calendar showing 2026 FIFA World Cup match days with colored dots for host countries: green for Mexico, red for Canada, and blue for United States.

2026 FIFA World Cup calendar

Fixtures and results from the 2026 World Cup listed by date and venue.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Infographic titled Guide to football (soccer) explains basic rules, showing a player silhouette with green areas labeled legal for feet and head, and orange areas labeled illegal for hands and arms. Includes match duration and extra time details.

Football (soccer) rules

This slide graphic explains the basic rules of the sport.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Men's World Cup titles by country

Men's World Cup titles by country

Men's World Cup titles won from 1930 to 2022, by country.

© fifg/stock.adobe.com, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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.

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