The 2018 FIFA World Cup gets underway on June 14 when Russia, the host nation, takes on Saudi Arabia in the opening match at 11 a.m. ET.
Defending champion Germany plays its first match on June 17 against Mexico in Group F action. Germany’s four World Cup championships are tied for second with Italy, which, like the USA, didn’t qualify for this year’s edition.
Brazil has the most World Cup titles of all time with five, with its most recent coming in 2002 when Ronaldo scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Germany in the final.
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After its disappointing exit in 2014, amplified by stunning 7-1 semifinal victory at home to Germany, Brazil is looking for redemption. It is favored by many to win Group E. Led by Neymar, the Brazilians also start on June 17 against Switzerland.
We’ll find out which nation gets to put another star on its jersey, or perhaps its first, on July 15. Below is a list of each World Cup champion, which has taken place every four years since 1930, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 because of World War II.
World Cup winners
1930: Uruguay
1934: Italy
1938: Italy
1942, 1946: No World Cup due to World War II.
1950: Uruguay
1954: Germany
1958: Brazil
1962: Brazil
1966: England
1970: Brazil
1974: Germany
1978: Argentina
1982: Italy
1986: Argentina
1990: Germany
1994: Brazil
1998: France
2002: Brazil
2006: Italy
2010: Spain
2014: Germany