EPISODE RECAP
FIFA - short for the International Federation of Association Football - was founded in Paris in 1904 with just seven countries. Today, 211 nations are members, more than the United Nations.
The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930. Thirteen teams competed. Uruguay won the final against Argentina 4-2, and the whole country got a national holiday.
World War Two cancelled the 1942 and 1946 tournaments. Since 1950, the Cup has run every four years. The 2026 World Cup - happening right now across the US, Canada, and Mexico - expanded to 48 teams for the very first time.
Legendary moments include the Miracle of Bern (1954), Maradona's Hand of God (1986), the Maracanazo shock (1950), and Zidane's final in 1998. The solid gold trophy stands 14 inches tall and weighs over 13 pounds.
QUIZ (answers at bottom)
In what year was FIFA founded? A) 1896 B) 1904 C) 1930 D) 1950
Which country hosted the very first FIFA World Cup? A) Brazil B) Argentina C) Uruguay D) France
Who scored the famous "Hand of God" goal? A) Pele B) Zinedine Zidane C) Diego Maradona D) Cristiano Ronaldo
How many times has Brazil won the World Cup? A) Three B) Four C) Five D) Six
How many teams are competing in the 2026 World Cup? A) 32 B) 48 C) 64 D) 24
TRUE OR FALSE
FIFA has more member countries than the United Nations.
The 1942 and 1946 World Cups were cancelled because of flooding.
Pele is the only player ever to win the World Cup three times.
The fastest World Cup goal ever was scored after just 11 seconds.
The winning country gets to keep the World Cup trophy forever.
RIDDLES
I travel around the world before the tournament even begins, yet I never play a single game. What am I?
I started with 7 friends in Paris, and now I have more members than any country club on Earth - even more than the United Nations. What am I?
I have been to every World Cup since the very first one in 1930. No other country can say the same. Who am I?
I weigh over 13 pounds, stand 14 inches tall, and show two people lifting the Earth. I am solid gold, and billions of people dream of holding me. What am I?
JOKES
Why did the soccer ball go to school?
Why was the World Cup goalkeeper so good at school?
What do you call a fish that plays in the World Cup?
Why did Uruguay celebrate with a national holiday after winning the first World Cup?
ANSWERS
Quiz:
B - 1904
C - Uruguay
C - Diego Maradona
C - Five
B - 48
True or False:
True
False - they were cancelled because of World War Two
True
True
False - the winner holds it for four years, then returns it and keeps a gold-plated replica
Riddles:
The World Cup trophy
FIFA
Brazil
The FIFA World Cup trophy
Jokes:
Because it wanted to get a little more kick out of life.
Because he always stopped things from getting past him.
A goal-fish.
Because they figured they deserved a day off after inviting everyone over and doing all the cooking.
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