How Often the World Cup Is Played
The FIFA World Cup, the biggest tournament in international football, is held every four years. This schedule applies to both the men’s World Cup and the women’s World Cup, creating a global cycle of major tournaments that fans anticipate well in advance.
Men’s FIFA World Cup
- First held in 1930 in Uruguay.
- Traditionally staged every four years, except during World War II (1942 and 1946 were canceled).
- The most recent men’s World Cup took place in 2022 in Qatar, with Argentina crowned champions.
- The next edition will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Women’s FIFA World Cup
- First staged in 1991 in China.
- Also played every four years.
- The most recent women’s tournament was in 2023, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, where Spain claimed their first title.
- The next women’s World Cup will take place in 2027.
Why Every Four Years?
The four-year cycle is designed to:
- Give time for qualification matches across FIFA’s six confederations.
- Allow countries to prepare infrastructure, stadiums, and logistics.
- Maintain the World Cup’s prestige and global anticipation.
- Balance the international calendar with regional tournaments such as the EUROs, Copa América, and Africa Cup of Nations.
Quick Facts: How Often Is the World Cup?
| Tournament | Frequency | First Held | Next Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s FIFA World Cup | Every 4 years | 1930 (Uruguay) | 2026 (USA, Canada, Mexico) |
| Women’s FIFA World Cup | Every 4 years | 1991 (China) | 2027 (Host TBD) |
Final Takeaway
The answer to “How often is the World Cup?” is simple: both the men’s and women’s World Cups are held every four years. This schedule has made the tournament one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world, uniting billions of fans every cycle to celebrate the very best in international football.