FIFA World cup history

FIFA world cup is the most watched sports event in the world along with Olympics. Just like a river, world cup was started as a small event but its popularity increased by leaps and bounds especially after Second World War. It may be difficult to believe for current generation football fans that teams used to withdraw from soccer world cup for silly reasons. Its popularity increased with each world cup and now almost every country is participating in FIFA world cup qualifiers. There is heavy competition among nations to host this prestigious world cup.

Two men behind world cup: It is due to contribution of FIFA President, Jules Rimet and Henry Delaunay (France football association secretary-general), FIFA world cup was finally held. That’s why FIFA world cup is called as “Jules Rimet trophy.”

1. 1928, May 26: In Amsterdam, FIFA congress decided to conduct a tournament for all affiliated national associations.

2. 1930: First world cup was held in Uruguay and all matches were held in a single city (Montevideo).

3. Interesting point: 1938 world cup winner, Italy, held it for 12 years (1938-1950) as 1942 and 1946 world cups were cancelled due to Second World War. Italian vice president, Dr Ottorino Barassi hid world cup in a shoebox under his bed during world war-2.

4. 1946: World cup trophy was renamed as “Jules Rimet trophy (Coupe Jules Rimet)”

5. 1966: In England, it was found buried under a tree by a dog called “Pickles.”

6. 1983: Trophy was stolen by thieves in Rio de Janeiro and they melted it. Brazil Football Association made a replica of trophy.

7. Replica was designed by Italian sculptor, Silvio Gazzaniga. It is 36 cm height. Weight of trophy is 5 kg. Trophy was made of 18- carat gold and base contains Malachite.

8. Now, FIFA World cup trophy remains with FIFA. Winner only gets replica of trophy.