The FIFA World Cup is a quadrennial international football tournament that brings together the best teams from all over the world to compete for the ultimate prize. The tournament has a long and storied history, with many interesting facts and figures that most people are unaware of. In this article, we will explore five of the most fascinating World Cup-related facts that you probably never knew.
1. The World Cup trophy is not the original
The World Cup trophy, which is famously made of solid 18-carat gold and features two figures holding up the Earth, is not the original trophy. The original trophy, known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, was awarded to the winners of the tournament from 1930 to 1970, before being stolen and never recovered. The current trophy, designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, was first awarded in 1974 and has been the prize ever since.
2. The World Cup is the world’s most-watched sporting event
The World Cup is by far the most-watched sporting event in the world, with billions of people tuning in to watch the matches. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was watched by an estimated 3.5 billion people, which is more than half of the world’s population. The final between France and Croatia was the most-watched event in history, with over 1 billion people tuning in to watch.
3. The World Cup has had some bizarre moments
Over the years, the World Cup has had its fair share of bizarre moments that have left fans scratching their heads. In the 1978 tournament in Argentina, Scotland’s team reportedly refused to wear their team’s official tracksuits because they believed they were jinxed. In the 1998 tournament in France, Iran’s goalkeeper famously wore a pair of red trousers during a match against the United States, which was later found to be against FIFA regulations.
4. The World Cup has helped to break down cultural barriers
The World Cup has always been about more than just sports. It has helped to bring together people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, and has broken down cultural barriers. During the 2006 World Cup in Germany, for example, fans from all over the world gathered together in the streets to celebrate and enjoy the tournament. This created a sense of global unity and camaraderie that transcended borders.
5. The World Cup has a huge economic impact
The World Cup is not just a sporting event; it is also a massive economic engine that supports thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars in revenue. The 2014 tournament in Brazil, for example, was estimated to have contributed $13.5 billion to the country’s economy, while the 2018 World Cup in Russia generated an estimated $14 billion in economic activity.
In conclusion, the World Cup is much more than just a football tournament. It is a global event that brings together people from all over the world and has a significant impact on the economy. As we gear up for the next installment of the tournament in 2022, we can look forward to many more interesting facts and moments that will capture our attention and imagination.
