World Cup History
The establishment of
the World Cup tournament is credited to a committee of French football
administrators in the 1920s, led by Jules Rimet -- who became the
namesake for the original golden trophy that was awarded to the
winners. The group created an elite international competition to
determine football's definitive world champion.
After a 12-year hiatus due to World War II, the FIFATM
World Cup re-emerged and quickly assumed its place as the preeminent
single sporting event in the world. Since 1958, the site of the World
Cup would alternate between Europe and America. However, in 2002, the
tournament added a new chapter to its distinguished legacy as Korea and
Japan co-hosted the competition.
