The first ever World Cup took place in Uruguay in 1930. This tournament featured 13 teams, with Uruguay emerging as the champions. The hosts defeated Argentina 4-2 in the final to claim the title. The inaugural World Cup laid the foundation for the future of this prestigious tournament, which has now become a global phenomenon.
The 1950s witnessed the rise of Brazil as a football powerhouse. Led by the legendary Pele, the Brazilian team brought home their first World Cup title in 1958. They continued their dominance in the following years by winning the 1962 World Cup as well. The Brazilian style of "samba football" captivated the world and left a lasting impact on the game.
The 1986 World Cup in Argentina will always be remembered for Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal. During a quarter-final match against England, Maradona controversially punched the ball into the net, leading Argentina to a 2-1 victory. Maradona's skill and charisma captured the world's attention, and he was instrumental in Argentina's ultimate triumph, securing their second World Cup win.
The 1998 World Cup in France witnessed a surprise champion: the French national team. Led by Zinedine Zidane, France defeated Brazil 3-0 in the final to secure their first-ever World Cup victory. The tournament also saw the emergence of young talents such as Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet, who played crucial roles in France's historic triumph.
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil saw Germany claim their fourth World Cup title. The German team, led by coach Joachim Low, displayed a remarkable level of consistency and teamwork throughout the tournament. Their dominant performance, culminating in a 7-1 victory against Brazil in the semi-finals, solidified their status as one of the greatest national teams in World Cup history.