The fact that two World Cups in a row were held in Europe was met with anger in South America that had expected the tournament to be played in their continent every second time. This led to a boycott from Argentina and Uruguay.

Due to WWII, no World Cup was arranged in 1942 or 1946. In 1946 the decision was taken to arrange a new World Cup that would take place in Brazil, far from the war-torn Europe. Many countries did not particpate due to being banned or political reasons.

It was the fifth World Cup tournament and it would be the first that could be seen on television.

A new star would be born in the 1958 World Cup. Garrincha and Pelé would make their firat appearances. Brazil would win the tournament and the 17 old Péle would be the youngest ever in a World Cup final.

Garincha of Brazil would be the big star of 1962. Another big football name this World Cup was Ferenc Puskás, who originally played for Hungary but switched to Spain due to the Hungarian Revolution. Great footballs stars that change nationality and team was at this time quite common (but would soon be changed by new rules).

The home of modern football, England finally hosted the World Cup in 1966 and went on to win the tournament.

Pele solidified as the best player in the world (possibly greatest of all time), leading Brazil to their third World Cup.

1974 marked the introduction of the new and current World Cup trophy designed by Silvio Gazzaniga. Made of 18 karat gold with green rings on the lower part made of malachite.

1978 was the first World Cup where only the host nation was automatically qualified and not the current champion. Argentina was also in political unrest durin this time, but managed to host the tournament as planned. They would beat Netherlands in the final, and had their signature white confetti snowing every home match.

The 1982 included several sensations with underdogs that shook European giants. The final is often regarded as one of the best ever, with both teams fielding players of the highest class that today are placed in the football pantheon. Players such as Júnior, Sócrates, Zico, Dino Zoff, Marco Tardelli and Paulo Rossi put on solid performances.

This will always be remembered as the World Cup of Diego Armando Maradona. Never befor had a single player stood out like he did. This tournament also featured his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England.

West Germany had impressive tournament, while their finals opponents Argentina advanced to the final by the smallest of margins. The game between West Germany and Netherlands would be the most memorbale with high intensity and an altercation betweem Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voller.

FIFA made some changes with the idea to create a more offensive game in the 1994 World Cup. The goalkeeper would no longer be allowed to up the ball with his hands if the ball had come from a teammate. The other big change was that a team gained three instead of two points for a win. Brazil won the tournament with their forward Romario playing a big role.

France wins its first World Cup, with Zidane leading the team and taking home player of the tournament.

Brazil would win their fifth World Cup, which was the most of any nation.

Italy beat France in penalty kicks, although Zidane’s headbutt on Italy’s Materrazi would become one the most memorable moments.

Spain captivated audiences with their tiki-taka style of play and won at the end of extra time in one of the most memorable World Cups of all time.

Germany memorably thrashed Brazil 7-1 in their own backyard, and prevented Lionel Messi from winning his first World Cup by beating Argentina in the final in extra time.

France entered as the favorites and did not disappoint. Kylian Mbappe announced himself on the world stage as one of the best players of the tournament.