As anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA has shared a historical reminder that only six nations have ever managed to win the tournament on home soil.
The post shared via their official X handle featured a collage celebrating the achievements of Uruguay (1930), Italy (1934), England (1966), West Germany (1974), Argentina (1978), and France, whose 1998 triumph remains the most recent World Cup victory by a host nation.
Softfootball understands that the timing of the post comes as the United States, Mexico, and Canada prepare to co-host the first-ever 48-team World Cup, adding extra attention to whether one of the host countries can break the nearly three-decade trend.
FIFA shared:
Six nations have won the @FIFAWorldCup as tournament hosts. The last host nation victory came in 1998, when France lifted the trophy for the first time
as tournament hosts- Photo credit: FIFA media
Fan reactions under the post were heavily dominated by criticism following the recent Confirmation of opening World Cup Referees, with reports that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States and many supporters demanding greater transparency and fairness from FIFA regarding visa and tournament access issues.
Earlier, FIFA also confirmed that Shakira and Burna Boy will perform the official World Cup song during the opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11.
In other news, Portugal national football team are preparing for an international friendly against the Nigeria national football team as part of their final World Cup preparations.
