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FIFA World Cup Winners List and History: These Two Continents Have Dominated Tournament

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First Posted: Apr 24, 2014 02:43 PM EDT
2014 FIFA World Cup
(Photo : Getty)

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and one of the oldest. Played in nearly every country on Earth, soccer is easily the most played athletic event globally. But with popularity and skill comes competition. Similar to the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup is held once every four years.

This year's FIFA World Cup will be played in Brazil.

Historically, Brazil has been the best soccer country in the world with five FIFA titles. When we look at past winners it reveals an alarming geographical trend, only two continents have won the FIFA World Cup. As a matter of fact, only two continents have even made it to the finals every year. Those continents are South America and Europe.

In Africa and Asia, soccer is the most popular sport. With not a single African or Asian country even making a FIFA World Cup final in the 80 year tournament history, this is unbelievable fact. In past decades, many riots have taken place in Africa after disappointing losses to South American countries. As far as North America, that is no surprise. American football, baseball and basketball are the most popular sports, and Mexico is by far the best North American soccer country. In 1986, Mexico was the host country for the FIFA World Cup but was unable to qualify for the finals after losing to West Germany.

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Eight different nations have won the 19 FIFA World Cup Finals:

  1. Brazil- 5
  2. Italy- 4
  3. Germany- 3
  4. Argentina- 2
  5. Uruguay- 2
  6. France- 1
  7. England- 1
  8. Spain- 1

Not a lot of disparity and balance when it comes to soccer and success. European and South American countries absolutely dominate the world on the soccer field as you can see above. It's amazing that, with over 200 countries in the world, just eight have won the most popular tournament in the world.

South America and Europe have had their clashes and rivalries on the field in the past.

Currently as a whole, Europe has the edge 10-9 in FIFA World Cup titles. Europe's most successful country is Italy with four championships. South America holds the bragging rights to the single best soccer nation, Brazil. Brazil has not only won five World Cups, but they have are 2-0 against Italy in the finals. Coincidentally, all five of Brazil's championships have come against European countries.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup promises to be an all-time great one with history on the line.

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