18 different countries have hosted a World Cup since its inception in 1930.
That number will climb to 23 after Canada, Morocco, Paraguay and Saudi Arabia take on hosting duties between now and 2034.
Uruguay were the first hosts, before Italy and France hosted the next two up to 1938.
From 1950 FIFA opted to host the World Cup alternatively between the Americas and Europe, to avoid any disagreements or boycotts from nations with regards to travel and financial viability. This pattern was kept for over 50 years.
Then - in 2002 - history was made as South Korea and Japan became the first Asian country to host the global showpiece.
In 2010 it was Africa's turn, as the world's eyes turned to South Africa for a vibrant celebration of football.
Find the full list of World Cup hosts below:
Every World Cup host nation
Year | Host Nation |
1930 | Uruguay |
1934 | Italy |
1938 | France |
1942 | Cancelled |
1946 | Cancelled |
1950 | Brazil |
1954 | Switzerland |
1958 | Sweden |
1962 | Chile |
1966 | England |
1970 | Mexico |
1974 | Germany |
1978 | Argentina |
1982 | Spain |
1986 | Mexico |
1990 | Italy |
1994 | USA |
1998 | France |
2002 | South Korea & Japan |
2006 | Germany |
2010 | South Africa |
2014 | Brazil |
2018 | Russia |
2022 | Qatar |
2026 | Canada, USA & Mexico |
2030 | Morocco, Portugal & Spain |
2034 | Saudi Arabia |
n.b. The opening games of the 2030 World Cup will be played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark the 100-year anniversary of the competition.
