The FIFA World Cup, often referred to as the World Cup, is the most prestigious international football (soccer) tournament contested by the senior men's national teams of the member associations of FIFA, the sport's global governing body.
The World Cup is held every four years and consists of two stages: the qualification stage, in which teams from around the world compete to earn a place in the final tournament, and the final tournament, which features 32 teams competing over a period of about a month to determine the World Cup champions.
The World Cup has been held every four years since its inaugural tournament in 1930, except for 1942 and 1946, when it was cancelled due to World War II. The tournament has been hosted by various countries around the world, with Brazil having won the most titles, five in total.
The format of the World Cup involves a group stage followed by knockout rounds, with the winner being determined by a single elimination tournament format. The tournament has produced some of the most memorable moments in football history, including the 'Hand of God' goal by Diego Maradona in 1986 and the iconic Zinedine Zidane headbutt in 2006.
The World Cup is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, with billions of people tuning in to watch the final. The tournament has become an important part of global popular culture, with its influence extending beyond sports and into music, fashion, and politics.