FIFA World Cup History: Complete List of Winners, Hosts & Champions (1930–2026)

The FIFA World Cup began in 1930. Only 13 teams participated in the inaugural edition, a number that has since risen to 48. Over the past 44 years, the number of participating teams in the tournament has doubled. Not only in the country hosting the World Cup but also in every participating country, there is a large celebration. Giant screens are set up in key locations, providing everything necessary to enjoy the event. This article lists all the venues of the World Cups from 1930 to 2018, as well as those for 2022 and 2026. 

FIFA World Cup Complete List of Winners

WORLD CUP 1930 – URUGUAY  

In 1930, the first World Cup in football history took place in Uruguay. The country also became the first world champion, winning the final against Argentina 4-2 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo.

WORLD CUP 1934 – ITALY  

Italy, just like in Uruguay four years earlier, successfully organized the second World Cup. The national team defeated Czechoslovakia 2-1, with a goal by Angelo Schiavio in extra time.  

WORLD CUP 1938 – FRANCE  

The Italian national team reclaimed the world title in France four years later. They convincingly defeated Hungary 4-2 in the final, becoming the first country with two world titles.  

WORLD CUP 1942 AND 1946 – NOT HELD  

The Second World War prevented the World Cups scheduled for 1942 and 1946 from taking place.  

WORLD CUP 1950 – BRAZIL  

The 1950 World Cup in Brazil produced one of the most memorable moments in history. Uruguay secured its second title by defeating Brazil 2-1 in the final at the Maracanã Stadium. The ‘Maracanazo’ is still remembered by football fans.  

WORLD CUP 1954 – SWITZERLAND  

In 1954, Germany won its first World Cup in Switzerland. They staged a remarkable comeback against Hungary. The Hungarians initially led 2-0 in the first ten minutes, but Germany turned the game around to win 3-2.  

WORLD CUP 1958 – SWEDEN  

Sweden hosted the World Cup in 1958, and Brazil arrived as a powerhouse. Brazil stopped the host nation from becoming champions with a decisive 5-2 victory.  

WORLD CUP 1962 – CHILE  

Four years later in Chile, Brazil claimed its second title, defeating Czechoslovakia in the final. The runner-up title added to Czechoslovakia’s earlier achievement in 1934.  

WORLD CUP 1966 – ENGLAND  

England joined the list of world champions, winning at home. The Three Lions triumphed in a thrilling final against Germany in extra time, ending 4-2 at Wembley Stadium.  

WORLD CUP 1970 – MEXICO  

Brazil became champion again in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, adding its third title in four tournaments. In the final at the Azteca Stadium, they defeated Italy 4-1. Brazil’s 1970 team is often regarded as one of the best in history.  

WORLD CUP 1974 – GERMANY  

Germany hosted the World Cup in 1974 and won its second title by defeating the Netherlands 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Johan Cruyff led the Dutch team in that final.  

WORLD CUP 1978 – ARGENTINA  

Four years later, Argentina followed Germany’s example, becoming champions in their home country. They defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in the final at the Monumental Stadium.  

WORLD CUP 1982 – SPAIN  

In 1982, Spain witnessed Italy being crowned world champion for the third time. Italy won the final in Madrid against Germany with a score of 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.  

WORLD CUP 1986 – MEXICO  

Mexico hosted the World Cup of Diego Armando Maradona in 1986. Argentina won the championship after a dramatic final against Germany, ending 3-2. Maradona did not score in the final, but his tournament was sensational, especially his famous match against England.  

WORLD CUP 1990 – ITALY  

Germany took its revenge against Argentina four years later. The final ended with a 1-0 victory for Germany, claiming their third title. Andreas Brehme scored the decisive goal in Rome.  

WORLD CUP 1994 – UNITED STATES  

The United States hosted its first World Cup in 1994, which helped lay the groundwork for soccer to gain popularity. Brazil became world champions for the fourth time, defeating Italy in a penalty shootout. Roberto Baggio missed a crucial penalty, creating a memorable moment in World Cup history.  

WORLD CUP 1998 – FRANCE  

France, led by Zinedine Zidane, won its first World Cup in 1998. The tournament, which they hosted, culminated in a final at Stade de France where they dominated Brazil 3-0.  

WORLD CUP 2002 – SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN  

The first World Cup in Asia crowned Brazil as champions again, defeating Germany 2-0. Ronaldo, a previous disappointment in the 1998 final, scored both goals, making Brazil a five-time champion at Yokohama Stadium.  

WORLD CUP 2006 – GERMANY  

Germany hosted the World Cup in 2006. Italy emerged victorious, and Zinedine Zidane ended his international career after being sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi. Italy won its fourth title after beating France in a penalty shootout.  

WORLD CUP 2010 – SOUTH AFRICA  

South Africa saw the Spanish national team proclaim itself world champion for the first time. Spain’s style, known as ‘tiki-taka,’ dominated the final, and they prevailed 1-0 against the Netherlands at Soccer City in Johannesburg thanks to a goal from Andrés Iniesta.  

WORLD CUP 2014 – BRAZIL  

Germany won its fourth title in the 2014 World Cup at Maracanã, defeating Argentina with a goal in extra time by Mario Götze. Lionel Messi missed a crucial chance to lift the trophy in a tightly contested final.  

WORLD CUP 2018 – RUSSIA  

France secured its second world title by defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final. The team’s strong performance was evident from start to finish, with contributions from players like Hugo Lloris, Kylian Mbappé, N’Golo Kanté, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann. Twenty years after their 1998 victory, Les Bleus celebrated again.  

WORLD CUP 2022 – QATAR  

The 2022 World Cup will be the first edition held in the fall in the northern hemisphere. The tournament will kick off on November 21, and the champion will be crowned on December 18. All the information is here!