Explained in plain English

How often is the World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup, football's most prestigious international tournament, takes place every four years. Spain's victory marks their first title since 2010, highlighting the challenge of winning it. Argentina, having won previously, missed out on back-to-back titles, which is a rare feat in the tournament's history.

Stories that explain this

Spain beats Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win World Cup England faces Mexico amid severe thunderstorms, fan disruption.

Questions this opens up

Why every four years? Who hosts the World Cup? What is FIFA?

Related explainers

Who organises the World Cup? What is a World Cup final? Why is altitude a challenge? Which countries have won it? Who decides match schedules? When did England win? What is extra time? How do fans try to disrupt?

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