World Cup fever has decended upon us once again, and in the spirit of this global sporting event, we've gathered ten fun FIFA facts for you.
JUN 15th 2018
World Cup fun facts!
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3.2 billion people (almost half of the world’s population) tuned in to watch the 2014 World Cup.
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The first World Cup was played in 1930. Uruguay was both the tournament host and the winner that year.
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The World Cup trophy went missing for 7 days in 1966, when it was stolen just prior to the tournament.
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The highest scoring game in World Cup history was in 1954, when Austria defeated Switzerland 7-5.
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Of all countries that have appeared in the World Cup, Indonesia has played the least number of matches – just one in 1938.
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Mexico has the most World Cup losses (25), though they do also have 14 wins and 14 draws.
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The most goals ever scored by one player in a World Cup match is an impressive five, by Oleg Salenko of Russia.
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The winning country is rumoured to see a baby boom 9 months after the World Cup.
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Four countries have played in a World Cup but have lost every game and failed to score a goal – Canada, China PR, Indonesia and Congo DR.
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The Krestovsky stadium in Saint-Petersburg is thought to have cost £1.12 billion to build, making it the most expensive football stadium in the world.