FIFA World Cup: tournament expansion, bidding, and host rotation (1930-2026)

1. FIFA Congress votes to start World Cup

   May 1, 1928Labels: FIFA Congress, World Cup

   • FIFA
   • Britannica

2. Uruguay hosts the first FIFA World Cup

   Jul 13, 1930Labels: Uruguay, 1930 World

   • FIFA
   • Britannica

3. Italy 1934 introduces qualification and 16 teams

   May 27, 1934Labels: Italy 1934, Qualification

   • FIFA
   • Britannica

4. World Cup resumes in Brazil after WWII

   Jun 24, 1950Labels: Brazil 1950, World Cup

   • FIFA
   • Al Jazeera

5. Mexico 1970 showcases globalized TV World Cup

   May 31, 1970Labels: Mexico 1970, Broadcasting

   • FIFA
   • Britannica

6. Spain 1982 expands finals from 16 to 24

   Jun 13, 1982Labels: Spain 1982, Tournament expansion

   • FIFA
   • Britannica

7. Mexico replaces Colombia as 1986 host

   May 20, 1983Labels: Colombia withdrawal, Mexico 1986

   • FIFA
   • Britannica

8. FIFA votes to expand to 32 teams for 1998

   May 20, 1994Labels: FIFA Executive, 32-team expansion

   • Washington Post
   • Britannica

9. Japan and South Korea win co-hosting for 2002

   May 31, 1996Labels: Japan, South Korea

   • FIFA
   • Britannica

10. South Africa awarded 2010 under confederation rotation

    May 15, 2004Labels: South Africa, Confederation rotation

    • FIFA
    • Britannica

11. Russia and Qatar awarded 2018 and 2022 tournaments

    Dec 2, 2010Labels: Russia 2018, Qatar 2022

    • FIFA
    • DW

12. FIFA Council approves 48-team expansion for 2026

    Jan 10, 2017Labels: FIFA Council, 48-team expansion

    • FIFA
    • The Guardian

13. FIFA Congress awards 2026 to U.S., Canada, Mexico

    Jun 13, 2018Labels: U S, 2026 hosts

    • FIFA
    • DW

14. FIFA confirms 2026 format: 12 groups, 104 matches

    Mar 14, 2023Labels: 2026 format, 12 groups

    • Al Jazeera
    • The Guardian

15. 2026 World Cup scheduled as expanded tri-nation finals

    Jun 11, 2026Labels: 2026 World, Tri-nation finals

    • FIFA
    • AP News