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World Cup Host Countries

The World Cup championship has been awarded every four years since the first tournament in 1930 (except in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II).

Brazil and Germany had bid for the 1942 World Cup; however no vote was taken to determine a host. Columbia was selected as host for the 1986 tournament, but withdrew four years before the start date. Mexico eventually hosted the event. In 2002, for the first time the event was hosted by two countries, Japan and South Korea.



The winning hosts for 2018 and 2022 were announced on 2 December 2010, with the winners Russia and Qatar. The first World Cup to be hosted by three nations will be in 2026 (United States, Mexico, and Canada).

The table here lists the host country for each tournament. Click on the country names for more information about each Football World Cup host.

Year Host Country
2026 Canada, USA and Mexico
2022 Qatar
2018 Russia
2014 Brazil
2010 South Africa
2006 Germany
2002 Japan & South Korea
1998 France
1994 US
1990 Italy
1986 Mexico
1982 Spain
1978 Argentina
1974 Germany
1970 Mexico
1966 England
1962 Chile
1958 Sweden
1954 Switzerland
1950 Brazil
1942 none
1938 France
1934 Italy
1930 Uruguay

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