The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (or FIFA) World Cup. That event is easily one of the most popular events in the entire world, with millions of fans that come out to support their favorite teams as they battle it out for the World Cup. The rivalries, both new and old, burn brightly whenever the teams come together to compete ever four years. Germany is the most recent winner of the tournament, although Brazil is another fan favorite. The tournament has been held since 1930, with the two exceptions of 1942 and 1946. It was not held during these times because of World War II. So who was the first team to win the World Cup? What is the background of the world-famous trophy? And what is in the future for this event? Read on to find out.
The Very First World Cup
The World Cup began as an idea from the president of FIFA at the time, Jules Rimet. There had been other international football events in the past, yet none like what he had in mind. In 1928, the FIFA conference voted to begin their own tournament that was separate from the Olympics. For the very first host country, the conference chose Uruguay to host the event. However, this was met with some pushback from the European teams. To fly to Uruguay meant a long and expensive flight. But two months before the first World Cup was to start, FIFA received confirmation that Europe would be represented in the tournament. Fifteen teams were set to take part in the World Cup.
The first two games took place at the same time, France versus Mexico and the United States of America versus Belgium. France took the first goal in the tournament and also took their game against Mexico, winning 4-1. The United States took their game against Belgium 3-0. In the end though, only Uruguay and Argentina were left in the final. After a tense game, Uruguay came out on top of the tournament, winning by 2 points at 4-2.
The Famous World Cup Trophy
For forty years since the inception of the event in 1930, teams competed for the Jules Rimet Trophy, named as such for the creator of the event. Before it was named that, however, it was called the World Cup, or, alternatively, Coupe du Monde. In 1946, it was decided that the trophy should be renamed in honor of Jules Rimet. The trophy was taken out of rotation after Brazil won the World Cup in 1970, allowing them to permanently house the national treasure. Unfortunately, it was stolen and never recovered. Experts believe that the thieves melted down the cup after they stole it, in order to sell it more easily.
After the Brazilians permanently won the trophy in 1970, a competiton was announced in order to design a new trophy. An Italian designer named Silvio Gazzaniga was the winner. However, the new trophy is not given to teams. Instead, each tream receives bronze, silver, or gold medals that have an insignia of the World Cup Trophy engraved on them.
And Many World Cups into the Future
As for this year’s World Cup, there have already been some major upsets. For example, here in the beginning of the tournament, Germany, the champions of the 2014 World Cup, lost to Mexico, the underdogs, 1-0. In addition, Messi, one of the faces of FIFA and the World Cup and one of the most popular football stars, failed to show up in his first game. What this proves is that the sport of football still has room to grow and evolve, and the fans will be right there with it.