Definition: The international tournament contested by the men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). It is played every four years, with each team having to qualify for the tournament except the host nation. The current format of the World Cup finals involves 32 teams playing in eight groups, with two from each group progressing to the knockout stages.
The inaugural tournament was held in 1930 and staged every four years since, except in 1942 and 1946 because of the war.
The World Cup trophy itself is a solid gold statue given to the champion of each World Cup tournament to keep for the next four years.
Brazil are the only country to have won the tournament fives times.
Also Known As: FIFA World Cup.
