The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious competition in world football, with the best national teams from across the globe competing for the honor every four years. Initially, only men’s teams competed at the quadrennial showpiece. The women’s FIFA World Cup was introduced in 1991.
Since the inaugural competition in 1930, called the Jules Rimet Trophy, the men’s FIFA World Cup has produced eight champions in 22 editions. Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Uruguay, England and Spain have won the FIFA World Cup trophy. The men’s Brazil football team has the most FIFA World Cup wins.
Brazil has lifted the World Cup a record five times – 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They are also the only team to compete in all 21 editions. Nicknamed ‘La Selecao’, Brazil is also the most successful men’s team in the World Cup in terms of matches played (109), matches won (73) and goals scored (229).
When Brazil won the title for the first time in 1958, legendary striker Pele came to the fore. He scored six goals in that edition, including two in the final against Sweden. During his illustrious career, Pele won three FIFA World Cups – 1958, 1962, and 1970 – and remains the only player to achieve this feat to date.
Hot on the heels of Brazil in the list of most FIFA World Cup wins are Germany and Italy, winning the trophy four times each. While Germany won it in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014, Italy was the champion in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006. Former German striker Miroslav Klose holds the record for the most number of goals scored at the FIFA World Cup, netting 16 goals across four editions.
Italy, meanwhile, lifted the World Cup on its debut in 1934 and successfully defended it in 1938, becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles. Despite being one of the most successful teams, Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022.
The other nations to win the World Cup more than once are Argentina (3), France (2) and Uruguay (2). While Argentina triumphed in 1978, 1986, and 2022, Uruguay was victorious in 1930 and 1950. France won it in 1998 and 2018.
The Netherlands have reached the final thrice – 1974, 1978, and 2010 – but are yet to add their name to the World Cup winner’s list. Only teams from Europe and South America have won the men’s World Cup.
In the women’s FIFA World Cup, the USA is the most successful nation, winning the title four times (1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019) in nine editions.
