The FIFA Men’s World Cup is one of the most-watched sporting events on Earth — a global celebration where nations compete for football glory every four years. From smart balls to stolen trophies and world records, the World Cup has produced some seriously wild and interesting facts.

Here are 10 awesome things you probably didn’t know about the World Cup, perfect for impressing family, friends, or classmates!

1. The 2022 World Cup Took Place in Qatar

The 2022 tournament ran from 20 November to 18 December 2022, making it the first World Cup ever held in the Arab world, and only the second hosted entirely in Asia (the first was in 2002 in South Korea and Japan).

However, the choice of Qatar was controversial. Multiple groups criticized:

• Worker treatment and human rights issues
• Stadium construction conditions
• Allegations of corruption in the bidding process

Despite this, Qatar delivered a historic and highly-watched tournament that pushed new conversations about football’s global future.

2. The First World Cup Was Held in 1930

The very first World Cup kicked off in Uruguay in 1930, with just 13 teams invited to participate. Uruguay not only hosted the event — they won it!

3. Brazil Has Won More World Cups Than Any Other Country

When it comes to World Cup trophies, Brazil reigns supreme with 5 wins.

The next closest nations are:

• Germany — 4 wins
• Italy — 4 wins

Brazil’s national football culture is legendary, and the record proves it.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo Is the First Player to Score in 5 Different World Cups

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo made history in 2022 when he scored for Portugal against Ghana — officially becoming the first man to score in five separate World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022).

5. The 2022 World Cup Used a High-Tech “Smart Ball”

For the first time ever, FIFA introduced a sensor-powered football at Qatar 2022. Built by Adidas, the ball contained internal technology that tracked:

• Speed
• Trajectory
• Position
• Exact time it crossed the goal line

Referees received real-time data on smart watches — making decisions faster, fairer, and more accurate, especially for offside calls and goal verification.

6. Brazil Is the Only Country to Play in Every World Cup

Since the tournament began in 1930, Brazil is the only nation that has qualified for and played in every World Cup — that’s 22 appearances in a row. No other country comes close to that streak.

7. World War II Stopped the Tournament for 12 Years

There were no World Cups in 1942 or 1946 because of the Second World War. Football returned in 1950, helping rebuild international sporting relations — including England rejoining FIFA after having left in 1920.

8. The Fastest World Cup Goal Took Just 10.89 Seconds

In 2002, Hakan Şükür of Turkey stunned spectators by scoring against South Korea in just 10.89 seconds — a record that still stands today.

9. The Trophy Was Once Stolen — And Found by a Dog Named Pickles!

Before the 1966 World Cup in England, the famous Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen from an exhibition hall in London. While police scrambled, a dog named Pickles discovered it under a bush while out for a walk — instantly becoming a national hero.

10. Qatar Built the First Reusable, Demountable Stadium

Qatar’s Stadium 974 was the first World Cup venue designed to be taken apart after the tournament. Made from shipping containers and modular steel, it seated 40,000 fans and can be rebuilt somewhere else in the future — a major sustainability milestone for global sports architecture.

Football, Technology & History — The World Cup Keeps Evolving

From its early 1930s beginnings to advanced sensor balls and movable stadiums, the World Cup continues to evolve — pushing new innovations in sport, culture, and global competition.

Whether you watch for the football, the excitement, or the history, one thing is certain: there’s always another unbelievable story waiting at the next World Cup!