With the 2026 Fifa World Cup ‘kicking’ off this month, what a great opportunity to learn more about this global event and its origins, and how it is now one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
The 23rd World Cup begins in the USA on the 11th June with 48 teams playing a total of 104 matches. This is the most amount of teams to date! But how did this come to be?
Before the first official World Cup as we know it, there were many other football competitions, but it was the football tournament included in the Summer Olympics which was most popular.
As football began to grow into more of an independent, professional sport it began to move away from the Olympics in the 1920’s as it wasn’t in keeping with the theme. Fifa therefore made plans to make their own organisation that would host world games and it was then that the first World Cup was announced in May 1928.
The first official World Cup was played in Uruguay 1930, and since when the tournament has been held every fourth year (with exceptions for interruption due to the Second World War). (https://www.footballhistory.org/world-cup/index.html)
Today, the world cup can bring people together to celebrate and support their favourite team. There might be street parties, bbq’s at home or maybe some of you are watching with groups at your local pub garden.
This year will also see for the first time ever, a half-time show at the final with artists from all over the world so there really is something for everyone!
Who will be the winners? Come on England!
