With the FIFA World Cup 2026 fast approaching, excitement is reaching new heights. People are looking forward to watching one of the most prestigious football events in the world, and this hype is not dying anytime soon. To kick things off and to add to the thrill, here are some fun and cool facts about the world’s biggest football tournament!

1. Brazil holds the most World Cup wins

Brazil is the most successful nation in FIFA World Cup history, having clinched the title five times: in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. This record sets Brazil apart as the only country to have won the tournament on four different continents: Europe (1958 in Sweden), South America (1962 in Chile), North America (1970 in Mexico and 1994 in the USA), and Asia (2002 in South Korea and Japan). 

As Brazil prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the team is training harder than before as they aim to end their 24-year title drought and add another trophy to their impressive record. With a mix of experienced players and rising young talent, the squad is working on building stronger chemistry and sharper tactics.

2. The fastest FIFA World Cup goal was under 11 seconds

The fastest goal ever scored in a FIFA World Cup match happened under 11 seconds. Turkey’s Hakan Şükür scored it during the 2002 World Cup third-place playoff against South Korea. During the early game, South Korea made a defensive mistake, which Turkey used to score the iconic goal.

This is the quickest goal in World Cup history and remains undefeated. Before this feat, the record was held by Václav Mašek of Czechoslovakia, who scored in 16 seconds back in 1962. Interestingly, that goal was the only one Şükür scored in his World Cup career, making it even more legendary.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo is the first man to score in 5 different World Cups

Cristiano Ronaldo is the first to score in five different FIFA World Cups. He made history on November 24, 2022, when he scored a penalty against Ghana during Portugal’s opening match at the World Cup in Qatar. That goal added to his 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018 scoring record. 

Before Ronaldo, a few big names like Pelé, Miroslav Klose, and Lionel Messi had scored in four World Cups, but none had reached five. Guinness World Records officially recognised Ronaldo’s record. 

4. A dog named Pickles found the lost 1966 World Cup trophy

Before the 1966 FIFA World Cup began, a thief broke into the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, where the Jules Rimet Trophy was displayed. A week has passed, and the police cannot locate the missing trophy. 

On a random morning, David Corbett walked his dog Pickles for a morning stroll. During this routine, Pickles went off the road and into the bushes to sniff an object wrapped in newspaper. This turned out to be the missing trophy. England won that year's FIFA World Cup, allowing the country to honour their football team and the hero dog. 

5. The 2022 World Cup has the most goals among all World Cups

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar broke the record for the most scored goals in a single tournament�?72 goals scored in 64 matches. This beat the previous record of 171 goals, which was held by both the 1998 World Cup in France and the 2014 edition in Brazil.

The final match between Argentina and France contributed a huge part to the final total. As the game played out, the two settled on an unforgettable 3-3 draw; however, Argentina won the round via penalties.

During the World Cup, fans saw an average of 2.68 goals per match, making it one of the most exciting and intense World Cups in history.

6. The last FIFA World Cup used a high-tech ball

The previous World Cup’s ball, made by Adidas, featured a connected ball technology in all matches. This smart ball contains a sensor designed and built by engineers, allowing the ball's position to be tracked at all times. 

When a goal is scored, referees can verify if the ball has crossed the goal line and precisely when it happened. This information is immediately sent to the referee's smartwatches. The technology is accurate and instant, helping referees make quick, fair decisions. Football engineers have developed similar technological tools to assist referees in determining offside situations.

7. Qatar built the first demountable World Cup stadium

The 2022 World Cup’s stadium is considered the first stadium that can be built anytime. Qatar's Stadium 974, formerly Ras Abu Aboud, was constructed using 974 recycled shipping containers and a modular steel frame, allowing it to be entirely dismantled and reassembled elsewhere.

Stadium 974 hosted seven matches during the FIFA World Cup, up to the round of 16. Its smart design used natural air flow, which took away the need for air conditioning. The stadium also incorporated sustainable practices that reduced water usage by 40% compared to traditional stadiums.

Ready for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup?

These are some of the fun facts that you should know about the FIFA World Cup. It shows the rich history and culture of one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world. This also shows how others, like a dog, can contribute to the excitement that the World Cup brings.

From legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup feats to Qatar building the very first modular stadium, the World Cup is filled with some of the greatest achievements and firsts. With the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, are you ready to witness newer heights and feats?

Read more about football here

What if football wasn’t just what happens on the field? There’s more to the sport than wins, losses, or goals from midfield. In reality, football carries the weight of legacy and identity, and nothing shows these better than the powerful lens of documentary films.

These stories will take you behind the scenes—into locker rooms, quiet moments, and struggles off the field. Whether you love football for its fiercest clashes, rich history, or dramatic goals, these films will give you something more, something real. Ready for a movie night? Here’s your watch list if you want to see the game like you’ve never done before.

The icons: Legendary players

Some players undeniably shine brighter than the rest, and it’s not just for what they did on the pitch but for how they shaped the sport forever. These films explore the lives of some of football’s biggest names. There are victories, but you also get to see the pressure, flaws, and moments that shaped their careers.

Messi (2014)

This 2014 film walks you through Lionel Messi’s rise from a small boy in Rosario, Argentina, to one of football’s greatest players in history. Directed by Álex de la Iglesia, it blends personal stories, youth footage, and insights from fellow players and coaches.

It dives into Messi’s quiet nature, early struggles, and growth at FC Barcelona, his club at the time of the film. Reviews and critics praised the film's rawness, pointing out the lack of insight into his character. Messi (2014) is available to watch on NBC, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.

Ronaldo (2015)

Ronaldo gives a close look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s life on and off the field during a key year of his career. Shot for over 14 months, the film follows his journey as he wins his third Ballon d’Or award and juggles family, fame, and pressure. You also get a rare glimpse into his fatherly duties at home with his son. Ronaldo is available on Netflix and Apple TV.

Diego Maradona (2019)

As wild as it might get, Asif Kapadia’s Diego Maradona doesn’t hold back. Built from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, the film tells the story of one of football’s most popular stars—how he became a football god and later a fallen one at Napoli. 

This documentary explores his highs and lows, blending sports with fame, politics, and addiction. It’s raw, messy, and iconic—just like Diego. Watch it on HBO Max and Amazon Prime.

Inside the game: Championing clubs and women’s football

Beyond the icons are the clubs, fans, and women who’ve long fought for their spaces in the sport. These stories put you in the shoes of teams and players who don’t always get the spotlight. They show what it takes to build something great, from scratch or even from the edge of collapse.

Take Us Home: Leeds United (2019-2020)

This Amazon docuseries tracks Leeds United’s long road back to the Premier League after 16 years of fight. Narrated by Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, it follows the team’s 2018-19 wild season under Marcelo Bielsa. More than a comeback, it’s a love letter to a city, a team, and their fans who refused to give up. 

All or Nothing (2018–present)

All or Nothing is a sports docuseries covering top clubs and national teams worldwide. It features clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Juventus. Each season takes you straight into their locker rooms and training grounds. 

The series offers an honest look at how teams handle wins, losses, transfers, and pressure. This is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

Footeuses (2020)

This French documentary shines a light on women in football—dreamers who’ve had to fight for their place in the sport. Set after the 2019 World Cup, you get to meet the Paris Saint-Germain girls who are breaking barriers and showing how football isn’t just a man’s game. Watch the film on YARD’s official YouTube channel.

Beyond the game: Social and cultural views

Beyond the games, football reflects the world around it. It shows the deeper issues of power, race, identity, and even silence. These documentaries look at the game through a wide lens, showing how the sport can unite people and why what happens off the field matters.

Football’s Coming Out (2022)

In this day and age, you’d probably ask why there aren’t any openly gay players at the highest level of English football. This film follows what happens if gay male footballers try to come out in a sport that’s still tied to silence and fear.

It simply asks why so many still feel unsafe to come out, raising questions on inclusion and visibility in the game. You can watch this on Channel 4’s official website and YouTube channel.

Shame in the Game: Racism in Football (2020)

This BBC feature confronts the rise of racist abuse in the sport, both in stadiums and online. It includes direct accounts from players and actual footage of abuse, showing how deep this issue runs. This film is tough, but a must-watch to understand why change is more than needed now. Watch this on BBC iPlayer or She Scored’s YouTube channel.

Football’s exciting history in the bigger picture

These football documentaries do more than just entertain. They open your eyes to the passion, pain, and power that shape the game. From iconic stories to social issues, these films are a great reminder of why football is one of the biggest sports in the world.

So the next time you press play, know you’re not just watching a match—you’re peeking into the lives, dreams, and truths that make football what it is.

Catch the latest football stories here