The Men's
World Cup
The History of the Cup
"Soccer could reinforce the ideals of a permanent and real peace." These were the words of Jules Rimet who became president of the World Football Federation in 1921. He wanted to organize an international event that would let both professional and amateurs play. Uruguay was chosen as host because of their Olympic record. The first world cup was in 1930. 13 international teams competed. That's how it all started.
The Women's
World Cup
The Present Day World Cup
The tournament has evolved long since that historic year of 1930. Instead of 13 teams almost the whole world competes. The teams go through qualifying matches to see who makes it to the challenge for the cup. Then the best 32 teams a placed into a groups of 4 to battle it out to make it into the next round. In the round of 16 the top two teams from every group advance into this round. Eight grueling games are played and the winners advance to the quarter finals. The quarter finals lead into the semifinals where only 4 teams remain. The winners of the two semifinals where only 4 teams remain. The winners of the two semifinals go into the championship while the losers go to the 3rd place match. In 2002 the World Cup was held for the first time ever in Asia. Every 4 years a World Cup is held.
