The FIFA World Cup, the ultimate football showpiece on earth is held once in four years. Since its inception in 1930, the tournament has maintained the four-year cycle, except the two editions in 1942 and 1946, which had to be scrapped due to the World War II. Uruguay were the winners of the inaugural edition in 1930. 32 teams vie for top honours in the quadrennial extravaganza. with the host nation earning a direct entry. Brazil top the roll of honour, having won the World Cup a record five times and to them goes the credit of having competed in all the editions of the FIFA marquee event held till date. Seventeen countries have hosted the FIFA World Cup so far. From the 2026 edition, the tournament will be expanded to 48 nations.