Nearly every edition of the World Cup is marked by the establishment of a new record, the shattering of an existing one, or the occurrence of momentous events that live on in people's memory forever.
The staff of ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) has compiled a list of nine noteworthy facts from the history of the World Cup that made headlines or caused a stir at the time they occurred.
1. Most-attended match in World Cup
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There were officially 173,850 viewers for the World Cup final. Some have questioned whether or not this official count is correct, instead estimating that between 199,854 and 200,000 people were packed into Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium. Many Brazilian supporters committed suicide after their team lost this game, and the incident has since become legendary.
2. Most goals scored in a single World Cup
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The record for most goals scored by a single player in a tournament is 13, set by Frenchman Just Fontaine at the 1958 tournament in Sweden.
3. 3.2 billion people tuned in to the 21st edition of the World Cup in 2018
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Nearly half of all humans on Earth tuned in to watch the games, setting a new record. This figure incorporates all viewers who tuned in to the games on television at home, in bars, or via digital platforms.
4. The first-ever World Cup
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Not only did Uruguay have the honor of hosting the first World Cup, but they also ended up winning the tournament for the very first time.
5. The 2002 tournament was the first ever to be hosted by two nations
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In the beginning, South Korea and Japan each submitted their own separate bids to host the championship. After that, Japan dismissed the concept of sharing hosting duties with another country. However, they had a change of heart and carried out a decision that FIFA deemed to be a watershed moment in demonstrating how sports can bring people together despite their differences.
6. Oldest player to ever play in the World Cup
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Egypt's goalkeeper Essam El Hadary competed in the 2018 World Cup in Russia despite being 45 years old. When he successfully blocked a penalty shot for Saudi Arabia during the competition, he earned the distinction of being the oldest player to have ever saved a penalty. This title was awarded to him.
7. The fastest-ever World Cup goal
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When Turkey faced South Korea in the third-place play-offs, the Turkish player Hakan Sukur scored the game's opening goal after 10.89 seconds of play. South Korea was the opponent.
8. The 1966 World Cup trophy was stolen
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The trophy was on display at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster before the tournament that was held in England in 1966. The competition took place in 1966. Somehow, a burglar managed to avoid being caught by security and make off with the prize. A dog named Pickles eventually discovered it buried beneath a bush in a residential neighborhood.
9. Mexico is the team with the most World Cup losses
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Since the beginning of the competition, Mexico has been defeated in a total of 25 matches.