GOAT Debate 10 vs 7

History of the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the world's biggest international football (soccer) tournament. It was created as a separate global championship for national teams, largely through the efforts of FIFA president Jules Rimet. FIFA approved the creation of the tournament in 1928, and the first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930.
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1. The first World Cup — 1930
The inaugural tournament had 13 teams and all matches were played in Montevideo, Uruguay. Uruguay defeated Argentina 4–2 in the final and became the first World Cup champion.
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The original trophy was later named the Jules Rimet Trophy in honor of the FIFA president who helped establish the competition.

2. 1934–1938: Italy's dominance
1934 – Italy: Italy won its first World Cup at home.
1938 – Italy: Italy successfully defended its title in France, becoming the first team to win consecutive World Cups.
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3. 1942 and 1946: No World Cup
The World Cup was suspended because of World War II. The tournament returned in 1950 in Brazil.
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4. 1950–1970: The rise of Brazil and Pelé
The 1950 tournament in Brazil produced one of the most famous upsets in World Cup history: Uruguay defeated Brazil in the decisive match in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil then became the dominant force:

1958 – Brazil: First Brazilian title; a 17-year-old Pelé became a global star.
1962 – Brazil: Successfully defended the title.
1966 – England: England won its only World Cup, beating West Germany 4–2 after extra time.
1970 – Brazil: Pelé and Brazil won their third championship, making Brazil the first country to win the trophy three times.
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5. 1974–1990: European and South American legends
This period produced several legendary teams and players:

1974 – West Germany: Defeated the Netherlands in the final.
1978 – Argentina: Won its first World Cup on home soil.
1982 – Italy: Won its third title, led by Paolo Rossi.
1986 – Argentina: Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to victory, including the famous "Hand of God" goal.
1990 – West Germany: Won its third championship.
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6. 1994–2010: A truly global tournament
The World Cup continued to expand internationally:

1994 – USA: Brazil defeated Italy on penalties in the first World Cup final decided by a shootout.
1998 – France: France won its first title at home, defeating Brazil 3–0.
2002 – Korea/Japan: The first World Cup hosted jointly by two countries. Brazil won its record fifth title.
2006 – Germany: Italy defeated France on penalties.
2010 – South Africa: Spain won its first World Cup, defeating the Netherlands in extra time. It was the first World Cup held in Africa.
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7. 2014–2022: Germany, France and Argentina
2014 – Brazil: Germany defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time. Germany had earlier produced the extraordinary 7–1 victory over Brazil in the semifinal.
2018 – Russia: France defeated Croatia 4–2 and won its second World Cup.
2022 – Qatar: Argentina defeated France on penalties after an extraordinary 3–3 final. Lionel Messi won the World Cup for the first time.
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8. 2026: The tournament expands
The 2026 World Cup was the first tournament with 48 teams, compared with 32 from 1998 through 2022. It was hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with matches in 16 cities. Spain won the 2026 tournament, defeating Argentina in the fina