The World Cup Timeline

History

First World Cup in Asia

The tournament in South Korea and Japan was the first World Cup held in Asia and the first ever co-hosted by two nations.

History

The night of the headbutt

The final is remembered for Zinedine Zidane's headbutt on Marco Materazzi in extra time — a red card in the last match of his career.

History

Football arrives in Africa

South Africa's tournament was the first World Cup ever held on African soil.

History

The Mineirazo

Germany's 7–1 win over hosts Brazil in the semi-final remains the heaviest defeat in World Cup semi-final history.

History

A teenager writes history

Kylian Mbappé, aged 19, became the first teenager since Pelé in 1958 to score in a World Cup final.

History

World Cup in the desert winter

Qatar 2022 was the first World Cup held in the Middle East and the first ever played in the northern-hemisphere winter.

History

Three nations, one World Cup

The 2026 tournament is the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and the first played in an expanded 48-team format.