The FIFA World Cup 2026TM began on June 11. Fans can test their knowledge of World Cup history with some fun trivia.
1. This goalkeeper holds the record for the most saves in a single World Cup match.
A. Tim Howard, United States B. Lev Yashin, Soviet Union C. Hugo Lloris, France D. Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico 2. Argentina’s Diego Maradona scored a notable and controversial first goal against England during a 1986 World Cup quarterfinal matchup. What is the nickname of that goal?
3. This country has the most World Cup Final losses of any nation in the history of the competition.
A. The United States B. Croatia C. Germany D. Brazil 4. This player scored a hat trick in the 2022 World Cup Final, a match Argentina won, 4-3.
A. Harry Kane, England B. Lionel Messi, Argentina C. Lautaro Martinez, Argentina D. Kylian Mbappé, France 5. Which country hosted the first FIFA World Cup in 1930?
A. Germany B. Brazil C. Uruguay D. Mexico 6. Legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé won this many World Cups during his career.
A. Zero B. One C. Two D. Three 7. What is the best result for the United States men’s national soccer team in a World Cup?
Answers:
1. A. Tim Howard. Howard recorded 16 saves in a fixture against Belgium during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Despite those efforts, the Americans still lost the match, 2-1.
2. “Hand of God.” Video evidence showed the goal should not have counted since Maradona used his left hand to direct the ball. However, referees did not have a clear view of the illegal maneuver, so the goal was awarded to Argentina. Four minutes later, Maradona scored a second goal, which has since been dubbed the “Goal of the Century.”
3. C. Germany. The Germans have lost four World Cup Final matches. But the Germans also have won four such matches in the history of the competition.
4. D. Kylian Mbappé, France. Mbappé became just the second player in World Cup history to score three goals in a World Cup Final, and the first to do so since Englishman Geoff Hurst accomplished the feat in 1966.
5. C. Uruguay. Uruguay not only hosted the competition, but also won it, the first of two such victories.
6. D. Three. Pelé was part of the Brazilian teams that won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
7. Third place. The United States finished in third place at the inaugural World Cup in 1930.