History of FIFA World Cup How to Qualify and More
Well, in our previous post, we discussed about the UEFA League and how to qualify and all, so following a similar route, with the upcoming FIFA World Cup approaching in 2026, let’s get to know about how brutal it is to represent your nation in the World Cup. Here’s the History of FIFA World Cup How to Qualify and More.
As always, like I said in any of my previous posts, my first FIFA World Cup was 2022, in which Messi won (maybe I’m the lucky charm).
Keeping that aside, let’s dive deep into the whole FIFA thing first, and then we will jump into the brutal qualifications part.
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The FIFA World Cup is more than just a tournament—it’s a global obsession. Every four years, the world stops to watch nations clash on the biggest stage in football. Behind the goals and glory lie decades of history, drama, rivalries, and record-breaking achievements.
History of the FIFA
The first World Cup took place in 1930, hosted and won by Uruguay. What started with just 13 teams has grown into a global festival with 48 nations competing starting in 2026.
Key moments over the decades:
1954: West Germany beats Hungary’s “Golden Team” in a shocking final known as the Miracle of Bern.
1970: Brazil’s team, led by Pelé, is widely considered the best.
1986: Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” in one match vs. England.
1998: France wins at home, led by Zinedine Zidane.
2014: Germany crushes Brazil 7–1 in the semi-final—one of the most surreal games in history.
2022: Lionel Messi crowns his career with a dramatic win over France, in what many call the greatest World Cup final ever.
History of FIFA World Cup How to Qualify and More
Qualification Process of the FIFA World Cup
Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is brutal. It takes two years, dozens of matches, and intense regional battles. Each of FIFA’s six confederations hosts its own qualifying rounds. Here’s how each region’s spots are decided:
Europe (UEFA): 16 spots
Africa (CAF): 9 spots
Asia (AFC): 8 spots
North/Central America (CONCACAF): 6 spots – (3 of those go automatically to the host nations: USA, Canada, and Mexico)
South America (CONMEBOL): 6 spots
Oceania (OFC): 1 spot
The final two spots will be decided in a global playoff involving teams from several regions.
What Do Teams Have to Do?
⚽Europe (UEFA):
Teams are split into groups.
They play each other home and away (like a mini-league).
Group winners qualify directly.
Some second-placed teams enter playoffs for the final spots.
🇸🇦 Asia (AFC), Africa (CAF), North America (CONCACAF):
Multiple rounds of matches.
First, weaker teams are eliminated in early knockouts.
Later rounds are group stages, where teams face each other home and away.
The top teams in the final group stage qualify.
🌎 South America (CONMEBOL):
All 10 teams play in one big league format.
Everyone plays everyone else twice (home and away).
The top 6 teams go to the World Cup.
🏝️ Oceania (OFC):
Has fewer teams.
They play mini-tournaments.
The winner usually goes into a playoff against a team from another region for a World Cup spot.
🔁 Intercontinental Playoffs:
A few second-place or best-ranked teams from different regions face off.
Example: Asia vs South America, or Oceania vs North America.
Winners earn the last World Cup spots.
Format Changes from 2026 Onwards
With the change in format, the FIFA World Cup will change significantly because more teams mean more matches, more matches mean more excitement, and more excitement means more jaw-dropping moments for the fans
Old Format (up to 2022):
32 teams
8 groups of 4
The top 2 from each group advance to the Round of 16
Single elimination from the Round of 16 onward
New Format (2026 onward):
48 teams
12 groups of 4
The top 2 from each group + 8 best third-placed teams advance to a new Round of 32
Still single elimination after the group stage
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Facts and Achivements
Pele’s First World Cup (1958) – At 17, Pele led Brazil to their first World Cup, scoring a hat-trick in the semifinals and two in the final.
Maradona’s “Hand of God” & “Goal of the Century” (1986) – Maradona’s infamous handball and stunning solo goal helped Argentina win the World Cup.
Zidane’s Headbutt (2006) – Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in the final, sending France to penalties after an unforgettable World Cup final.
The Miracle of Bern (1954) – West Germany shocked Hungary 3-2 in the final to claim their first World Cup title.
Germany’s 7-1 Over Brazil (2014) – Germany crushed Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Roger Milla’s Dance (1990) – At 38, Milla’s joyful corner flag dance after scoring helped Cameroon make history as the first African team in the quarterfinals.
Geoff Hurst’s Hat-trick (1966) – Hurst scored the only hat-trick in a World Cup final, leading England to their first title.
France’s 1998 Victory – France won their first World Cup on home soil, with Zidane’s brace in the final sealing their triumph.
Brazil’s 1970 Golden Team – Brazil’s legendary team, led by Pele, defeated Italy 4-1 to win their third World Cup.
Vava’s Double (1958) – Vava’s two goals helped Brazil lift their first World Cup, defeating Sweden 5-2 in the final.
David Villa’s Breakout (2006) – Villa’s brilliant goalscoring at the 2006 World Cup established him as Spain’s rising star.
Iniesta’s Winning Goal (2010) – Andrés Iniesta scored in extra time to give Spain their first-ever World Cup title.
Messi’s Redemption Arc (2022) – Lionel Messi lifted the trophy in Qatar, sealing his legacy with 7 goals and a Golden Ball.
Mbappé’s Hat-trick in a Final (2022) – Kylian Mbappé became the second player ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
Croatia’s Cinderella Run (2018) – Croatia, led by Luka Modrić, reached their first-ever World Cup final, stunning the world.
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“48 teams. 104 games. More goals, more nations, more chaos. The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever”
– Unknown fan
Why the World Cup Matters
The World Cup isn’t just about football. It’s a global event that shapes national pride, drives massive economic boosts for host countries, and showcases the power of sport to bring people together. From dramatic underdog stories to legendary performances, it’s where history is made.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the World Cup offers something for everyone. The road to qualification is long and often brutal, but for those who make it, the tournament is the ultimate stage. And with the 2026 expansion, even more nations will get a shot at glory.
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—DHANYAVAAD—
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History of FIFA World Cup How to Qualify and More