Most fans follow their teams on the Internet and on television throughout the month-long tournament comprising 64 matches. But those who have the opportunity to travel to a match in person soon discover that the FIFA World Cup is more than just two teams kicking the ball for 90 minutes. The World Cup is all [...]
- Posted in 10. Football
In the six decades since the resumption of World Cup events, FIFA has cemented its role as the hub of the global football community. The Association moved its headquarters from Paris to in Zurich after World War II and is governed by Swiss law, employing some 310 people from more than 35 nations. It represents [...]
- Posted in 10. Football
As fate would have it, the 1966 FIFA World Cup started off badly for England in Group 1; they fought to a scoreless draw in their first match against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium. This was followed by a lackluster win over Mexico 2-0. Apparently, the Wingless Wonders needed some help to advance, and they got [...]
- Posted in 10. Football
Learning from each event, FIFA began developing the format that would serve the World Cup for half a century. Decisions were taken to allow the host nation and the previous World Champion to qualify automatically. Tournaments would be held alternately between Europe and the Americas. Three years of qualifying would determine the 16 teams to [...]
- Posted in 10. Football
A dozen long years went by before FIFA could reorganise for a fourth World Cup. In 1946, the first post-war FIFA Congress was held in Luxembourg, where potential host countries and a date for the next World Cup were discussed. But most of Europe lay in ruins. Football was a low priority as nations faced [...]
- Posted in 10. Football
