If between June 9th and July 9th you wonder where everyone has headed, just amble over to the nearest flat screen TV. Yep, it's time again for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. First televised in 1954, the World Cup is now the most widely-viewed and followed sports event in the world... even more than the Olympic Games! The FIFA World Cup (often called the Football World Cup, Soccer World Cup or simply the World Cup) is the most important competition in international soccer (aka: football). Governed by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the championship occurs every four years. However, since the qualifying rounds take place over the three preceding years, it's really more of an ongoing event. The upcoming 2006 World Cup Finals will be held in Germany and involves 32 national teams competing over a four-week period. An added bonus for those watching from the States is that we finally have a team to cheer for: The US team is currently ranked fifth in the world and has a competitive chance at the title. SOME TRIVIA In the 17 tournaments held, only seven nations have ever won the World Cup Finals. Brazil is the current holder, and is the most successful World Cup team boasting five total wins. The 1st competition was held in Uruguay in 1930. |
