FIFA World Cup quiz questions: football's biggest stage
The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event on the planet, uniting billions of fans every four years. Here are ten questions about the tournament's strangest moments, surprising records and forgotten history.
1The original World Cup trophy was stolen twice. What happened to it the second time?
Answer:It was stolen in Brazil in 1983 and never recovered (believed melted down)(click to reveal)
The Jules Rimet Trophy was first stolen in England in 1966 and famously found by a dog named Pickles.
2Which country has appeared in the most World Cup finals without ever winning the tournament?
Answer:Netherlands (3 finals: 1974, 1978, 2010)(click to reveal)
3In 1950, India qualified for the World Cup but withdrew. What was one of the reported reasons?
Answer:Players weren't allowed to play barefoot (also accept: couldn't afford to travel)(click to reveal)
4What is unusual about the 1942 and 1946 World Cups?
Answer:They weren't held (cancelled due to World War II)(click to reveal)
5In the 2014 World Cup semi-final, Germany beat Brazil 7-1. How many minutes did it take Germany to score their first five goals?
Answer:18 minutes (between the 11th and 29th minute)(click to reveal)
6Which player has scored in the most World Cup tournaments?
Answer:Cristiano Ronaldo (5 tournaments: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)(click to reveal)
7The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was unusual for what reason related to the calendar?
Answer:It was held in November-December instead of the usual June-July(click to reveal)
8Which African country shocked the world by beating defending champions Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup?
Answer:Cameroon(click to reveal)
9What unique record does Geoff Hurst hold in World Cup final history?
Answer:Only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final (England vs West Germany, 1966)(click to reveal)
10The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever, with 48 teams. How many teams competed in the first World Cup in 1930?
Answer:13(click to reveal)
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