The ‘beautiful game’ of football has been played across the globe for ages. However, it may sound interesting that only 8 teams have been successful in lifting the prestigious FIFA World Cup trophy.
Of the 8 teams, Brazil, the sentimental favourites of many fans, have won the tournament most times (five) in history. They emerged as the champions in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
Next come Germany and Italy (both 4 times). Germany won in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, while Italy were champions in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006.
Argentina (1978 and 1986), France (1998 and 2018) and Uruguay (1930 and 1950) triumphed two times each. It may be recalled that Uruguay were the winners of the inaugural edition in 1930.
England (1966) and Spain (2010) have lifted the coveted cup one time each.
Spain had won the European Football Championship either side of their World Cup triumph, in 2008 and 2012, and top Qatari club Al Sadd’s former captain and coach Xavi Hernandez was a key member of those 3 victorious Spanish teams. (Agencies)
