Football

11

Eleven players are a relic of 19th-century England: the number stuck even as almost everything else about the game changed.

💡 Did you know? The first official international ever, Scotland v England in 1872, ended 0-0.

90 minutes

On top of the 90 minutes comes stoppage time for interruptions, since 2022 it is often generous, sometimes over ten minutes.

💡 Did you know? With extra time, the longest professional match in history ran over three hours.

every four years

In between sit the continental Euros, also every four years: so there is a big tournament almost every summer.

💡 Did you know? Because of the Second World War the World Cup was cancelled twice, in 1942 and 1946.

Uruguay

Hosts Uruguay were also Olympic champions; just 13 teams travelled, many Europeans wary of the long sea voyage.

💡 Did you know? The first trophy, the „Jules Rimet Cup“, was stolen in 1983 and never recovered.

Brazil

Brazil are the only side to appear at every World Cup: winning in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.

💡 Did you know? Brazil's Pelé remains the only player ever to win the World Cup three times.

2014

In the Rio final Germany beat Argentina 1-0; Mario Götze scored the winner deep in extra time.

💡 Did you know? On the way to the title Germany demolished hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final.

Germany

The „summer fairytale“ reshaped Germany's image as a welcoming host: though Italy ended up lifting the trophy.

💡 Did you know? Millions flocked to „public viewing“ at the 2006 World Cup: the term took off in Germany then.

UEFA Champions League

Until 1992 it was the European Cup; today the Champions League is the most lucrative club competition in the world.

💡 Did you know? The Champions League anthem is based on a piece by George Frideric Handel.

three goals

The term comes from cricket: a bowler dismissing three batsmen in a row was traditionally given a hat.

💡 Did you know? A „perfect“ hat-trick means three goals scored with left foot, right foot and head.

red card

Red and yellow cards only date from the 1970 World Cup: a referee reportedly got the idea at a traffic light.

💡 Did you know? The fastest red card in history came after just about two seconds.

five

For decades only three subs were allowed; five came in during the Covid pandemic and then stayed.

💡 Did you know? In knockout games that go to extra time an extra, sixth substitution is often allowed.

penalty

Eleven metres is the conversion of twelve yards: hence the English name „penalty spot“.

💡 Did you know? About three in four penalties are scored: the keeper is at a clear disadvantage.

FIFA

FIFA was founded in Paris in 1904 and now has more member associations than the UN has member states.

💡 Did you know? FIFA's awarding of the World Cup has repeatedly sparked corruption allegations.

UEFA

Besides the Euros, UEFA also runs the Champions League: the most powerful of the six continental confederations.

💡 Did you know? Through the Champions League, UEFA hands out billions each year to Europe's top clubs.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid once won it five years in a row (1956 to 1960) and now have well over a dozen titles.

💡 Did you know? Real Madrid were voted the best club of the 20th century by FIFA.

Miroslav Klose

Klose passed Brazil's Ronaldo in 2014 and scored all his World Cup goals without a single penalty. In 2026 Messi (21) and Mbappé (22) overtook him.

💡 Did you know? Klose often celebrated goals with a front somersault: dropping it late in his career to be safe.

offside

The offside rule stops players simply lurking at goal; since 2018 the video assistant often rules on centimetres.

💡 Did you know? The offside rule is nearly as old as football itself and still sparks heated debate today.

32

Qatar 2022 was the last 32-team World Cup: in 2026 the field grew to 48 for the first time.

💡 Did you know? The 48-team 2026 World Cup was also the first co-hosted by three countries: USA, Canada and Mexico.