This year, the World Cup, the World's biggest and most important soccer tournament in the World, started June 14th and ends July 15th. The whole world gets invested with different teams and players. After some research, I compiled a list of 10 of the coolest, most unique fun facts about World Cup:
1. This is the first year it has been hosted by Russia
After years of financial and political turmoil, Russia finally got the chance to host the legendary event! With their team doing well so far.
2. Nearly half the world's population watches the World Cup
Yep, about 3.2 BILLION people are tuning in to watch the event!
3. The first World Cup was in 1930
Uruguay hosted and won that year. However, there were only 13 teams compared to the 32 teams playing in recent years (since '98).
4. Brazil has the most wins
Brazil has won the World Cup five times (1958,1962,1970,1994,2002). For the Women's soccer teams though, USA has the most wins (1991,1999,2015)!!!!!
5. Tournaments have not been played every 4 years
During World War II the playing is stopped. So there have only been 20 tournaments.
6. Everyone gets money
The winning team wins 35 million dollars and the runner- up wins 25 million. Each team just for PARTICIPATING gets 8 million!
7. The biggest win was 31-0
Australia crushed American Samoa by 31 goals in 2001.
8. Germany is a second place champion
Poor Germany has lost in the final game FOUR times! In 1966, 1982,1986, and 2002. But they have also won it 4 times, including the last one in 2014.
9. McDonalds sponsors the World Cup
McDonalds is the official partner this year! There is also a McDonalds FIFA World Cup Fantasy League online.
10. USA Mens Team has never won
The United States Mens team has never won a World Cup. They made it to the semi-finals in the first World Cup in 1930, but sadly did not qualify to play in the Cup at all this year.
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