A Short History of the FIFA World Cup Quiz

Answer: 1930

The first ever FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. It was organised by FIFA president Jules Rimet. The final was between Uruguay and Argentina, with Uruguay winning 4-2.

Answer: 1966

They hosted the tournament that year and ended up winning the trophy in the final against West Germany 4-2 aet. This was the year the trophy was stolen and famously recovered by a dog named Pickles, wrapped in newspaper in a bush in South London.

Answer: The FIFA World Cup

The World Cup Trophy was originally named "Victory". It was renamed "The Jules Rimet Trophy" in 1946 to honour the FIFA President Jules Rimet who organised the first ever World Cup. It was designed by Abel Lafleur and made of gold plated sterling silver on a blue base of lapis lazuli.

It stood 35 cm high and weighed 3.8 kg. It was in the shape of an octagonal cup, supported by a winged figure representing Nike, the ancient Greek goddess of victory.

Answer: 1942 and 1946

The World Cup was cancelled in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. After the war, FIFA tried to hold a World Cup Tournament as soon as possible, however Europe lay in ruins so FIFA had some difficulties finding a country interested in hosting the event. For some time, the World Cup was at risk of not being held for sheer lack of interest from the international community, until Brazil presented a bid in 1946, for the 1950 tournament.

Answer: India, Germany and Japan

In 1950, India pulled out of the World Cup as they were told by FIFA their team could not play the tournament barefooted! Japan and Germany were not allowed to play as they were under occupation at the time of the tournament.

Answer: 31

In the qualification rounds for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Australia scored 31 goals against newcomers America Samoa, setting the record for the biggest margin win ever. This was only two days after Australia beat Tonga 22-0!

Answer: 13 years 310 days

Souleymane Mamam was born in 1987 and was only 13 when he played for his country, Togo, against Zambia. He was an attacking mid-fielder and joined English club Manchester United in 2003. However, some sources claim he was born in 1985, making him nearly 16 when he played against Zambia.

Answer: Mexico

The 1970 World Cup was held in Mexico from May 31st to June 21st. The tournament was won by Brazil and saw them get to keep the Jules Rimet trophy. It is considered by some to be the finest World Cup in history. Not a single red card was issued during in the entire competition!

Answer: Italy

This World Cup was held in Spain and was won by Italy, who beat West Germany 3-1 in the final. This gave Italy its third World Cup title. This World Cup was marked by a series of great matches (most famously the semi-final between West Germany and France) and is widely regarded as the second-best ever after the legendary 1970 tournament.

Answer: Brazil

The Brazilian national football team was the most successful national football team in the world, with five FIFA World Cup victories (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002). When they won their 5th, Germany and Italy had three wins each (1954, 1974 & 1990 and 1934, 1938 & 1982 respectively). One of their most famous players was Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), or Pele as he was nicknamed.

He was widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all-time.