The FIFA World Cup stands as the pinnacle of international football, a quadrennial global spectacle organized by FIFA that crowns the world champion among national teams. It is the most prestigious and widely viewed single sporting event on the planet, transcending the sport to become a cultural phenomenon. Founded in 1930, the tournament is headquartered at FIFA's home in Zurich, Switzerland, and is open to all of FIFA's member associations through a rigorous qualification process. The main competition involves 32 teams—expanding to 48 in 2026—competing in a month-long festival of football, beginning with a group stage and culminating in a knockout bracket that ends with the final match. Its influence is unparalleled, commanding a global television audience in the billions and featuring the planet's greatest footballing talents representing their nations. The ultimate honor is lifting the FIFA World Cup Trophy, with additional individual awards such as the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player, the Golden Boot for top scorer, and the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper.