top of page
The Wold Cup or the history of the event that unites the world

We’re all hyped up about the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, starting on November 20. This World Cup will be the first in Arab territory and in surpassing the 1,000 million dollars in prices, but do you even know how all this World Cup started?

The first competition, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Footbal Association (FIFA), took place in 1930 in Uruguay, with 13 countries playing and the local team taking home the cup. This was the only World Cup where there was not a qualification, and every country affiliated with FIFA was invited to play. Ever since, there has been a competition every four years (except during World War II).

Before 1930, the Summer Olympics football competition was considered the tournament with most prestige. However, it consisted of amateur teams and the transition to becoming more and more professional was not in line with what the Olympics represent. That’s why on 1928, FIFA declared they would host a World Cup, and thus became the real thing. Even though there are currently other football tournaments such as the UEFA Champion’s League, it’s hard to beat the passion felt in at the World Cup, where teams represent whole countries.

 

FIFA

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was founded in 1904 when football leaders in Europe decided there should be a governing body for the sport as a result of the increase in international games. Under the leadership of French journalist Robert Guerin, the associations of Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland got together in Paris and FIFA was born. Guerin became FIFA’s first president and served from 1904 to 1906. Since then, seven other men have also served as FIFA president, the current one being Gianni Infantino (previously FIFA’s general secretary since 2009).

 

Not only has the association helped to promote football and foster relationships among associations, but it is the ultimate authority in all things football, from the rules of play, organizing international competitions, overseeing transfers of players, etc. FIFA now boasts 209 members and is probably the most prestigious sports organization in the world, and under its governance football has become the most popular sport in the world!

 

 

Awards

Besides the money prize for the winning team, there are other awards given to individual players in connection with the World Cup:

Golden Ball: For the best player of the World Cup, the winner is voted by the media from a list made by the FIFA’s technical committee. This award was introduced at the 1982 World Cup and sponsored by Adidas and France Football. The second and third places are awarded the Silver Ball and Bronze Ball.

Golden Boot: For the top goal scorer, and also introduced in 1982.

Golden Glove: For the best goalkeeper, the award was introduced in 1994 as the Premio Lev Yashin, with the change to its current name in 2010.

Best Young Player: For the best player under 21 years and introduced in the Germany World Cup 2006.

Fair Play Trophy: For the team with the best record of fair play.

Most Entertaining Team Award: For the team who has entertained the most and chosen through a survey to the public since 1994.

All-Star Team: For the best players of the tournament and chosen by the technical studio group. There have been ups and downs with this award, sometimes being non-official.

Screen Shot 2020-03-27 at 12.25.24 AM.pn
bottom of page