
Here is the list of countries that have hosted the FIFA World Cup since its inception in 1930, along with the year they hosted:
Men’s FIFA World Cup Hosts
- 1930 – Uruguay
- The inaugural World Cup, won by the host nation, Uruguay.
- 1934 – Italy
- Italy hosted and also won the tournament.
- 1938 – France
- The first World Cup to feature matches held in multiple cities.
- 1950 – Brazil
- The first tournament after World War II, remembered for Uruguay’s dramatic win over Brazil in the final.
- 1954 – Switzerland
- Featured the first televised World Cup matches.
- 1958 – Sweden
- Brazil won its first World Cup with a young Pelé making his debut.
- 1962 – Chile
- Despite a devastating earthquake two years prior, Chile successfully hosted the tournament.
- 1966 – England
- England won their only World Cup on home soil.
- 1970 – Mexico
- The first World Cup held in North America; remembered for Pelé’s iconic performances.
- 1974 – West Germany
- The host nation West Germany won the tournament.
- 1978 – Argentina
- Argentina won their first World Cup as hosts.
- 1982 – Spain
- The first tournament to feature 24 teams.
- 1986 – Mexico
- Mexico became the first country to host the World Cup twice; famous for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal.
- 1990 – Italy
- Known for defensive football, West Germany emerged as champions.
- 1994 – United States
- Set attendance records and increased football’s popularity in the U.S.
- 1998 – France
- France hosted and won their first World Cup.
- 2002 – South Korea & Japan
- The first World Cup co-hosted by two nations and held in Asia.
- 2006 – Germany
- Italy won the tournament in a dramatic final against France.
- 2010 – South Africa
- The first World Cup held on the African continent, with Spain claiming their first title.
- 2014 – Brazil
- Germany won their fourth World Cup in Brazil.
- 2018 – Russia
- France claimed their second World Cup title.
- 2022 – Qatar
- The first World Cup held in the Middle East, with Argentina winning under Lionel Messi’s leadership.
- 2026 – United States, Canada, and Mexico (Upcoming)
- This will be the first tournament with 48 teams and co-hosted by three nations.
Women’s FIFA World Cup Hosts
- 1991 – China
- 1995 – Sweden
- 1999 – United States
- 2003 – United States
- 2007 – China
- 2011 – Germany
- 2015 – Canada
- 2019 – France
- 2023 – Australia & New Zealand
These host nations reflect the global expansion of football across continents.