Introduction
The FIFA Soccer World Cup is being held in Qatar now. The World Cup is one of the world’s most popular sports events; many people are watching it and cheering for the players during that period. They care about the result of the World Cup every day, so it can greatly impact our lives.
History of the World Cup
The history of the World Cup goes back over 100 years. In 1863, the official rules of football were established in England. In 1904, when football became a popular sport in many countries, seven European countries came together to form an organization called FIFA. As a result, international teams have been created even in countries where soccer is not popular. (rookieroad, 2017)
Soccer is one of the sports of the Summer Olympics, and it was the most important international tournament. However, the World Cup began because soccer shifted to a professional-oriented sport and became different from the spirit of the Olympic Games. On May 26, 1928, it was decided to organize a sporting event of future importance, and two years later, the first World Cup was held in Uruguay. It is held once every four years to ensure that the athletes are prepared and that it is an event many people can look forward to. However, it could not be held in 1942 and 1946 due to World War Ⅱ. (The Highlights App, 2022)
As football’s popularity grows, the format of the competition will change, and the number of participating countries will increase from 32 to 48 by 2026. (The Highlights App, 2022)
How will the countries participating in the World Cup be decided?
The country that wins the qualifying round, which starts two years before the final tournament, can get the right to participate in the World Cup. Qualifiers are held on a continent-by-continent basis, with the host country always qualified for the World Cup. The 31 teams, excluding the host country, will be selected based on the results of the qualifying rounds. (The Highlights App, 2022)
Specifically, 32 teams are divided into 8 groups of 4 teams and the teams that qualify for the World Cup are determined by playing matches. The top two teams from each group qualify for the finals. In the final, there will be a one-time match. However, the number of participating teams will increase from 2026 and onward, so this will be the last World Cup in this format. (The Highlights App, 2022)
The impact of the World Cup on our economies
- Need a lot of money
FIFA has strict requirements for the host country of the World Cup. In order to host this competition, we need not only a good stadium but also a lot of accommodation. These facilities are not often used after the tournament, but governments bear the hefty costs of hosting the World Cup. The standards set by FIFA are so high that it needs to be carefully considered to select the host country. (Juneja, 2010)
- Activation of tourism
People gather from all over the world, so hotels, restaurants, and tourist spots are profitable. However, this is a temporary event and will not necessarily continue after the World Cup is over. (Juneja, 2010)
- Profit of FIFA
We can make a profit from ticket sales and telecasts. All these benefits go to FIFA and not to the host country. (Juneja, 2010)
- Tax cut
All money earned by FIFA during the World Cup is tax-free. Holding the World Cup has become a problem in that money is taken away from the poor. The money we had prepared to help the world was lost. Tax issues need to be revisited. (Juneja, 2010)
Why do people watch the World Cup?
The World Cup is watched and cheered by many people all over the world every time. There are some reasons why the FIFA World Cup is popular.
- People only need one ball, so it is relatively cheap and easy to get started.
- Advertising and fundraising can get a lot of people’s attention.
- Soccer is the number one sport in every country. Few countries have a national sport that anyone can play other than football.
- Having more active players and teams is a good thing, and people want to support it.
(Potter, 2010)
Conclusion
The World Cup has a long history, and is one of the most popular international sporting events. While this gives people energy and courage, it also places a heavy financial burden on them. It is more exciting than other sporting events because it is an event that only happens once every four years. In order to continue as a lively event in the future, further improvements should be made.
References
The Highlights App (2022). FIFA World Cup Soccer: History, Winners and Facts | The Highlights App. [online] www.thehighlightsapp.com. Available at: <https://www.thehighlightsapp.com/blog/fifa-world-cup-soccer-history> [Accessed 30 November 2022].
Juneja, P. (2010). Effects of FIFA World Cup on the Economy. [online] Managementstudyguide.com. Available at: <https://www.managementstudyguide.com/effects-of-fifa-world-cup-on-economy.htm> [Accessed 30 November 2022].
Potter, C. (2010). The Real Truth: World Cup: Why Soccer Is So Popular Around the World. [online] Bleacher Report. Available at: <https://bleacherreport.com/articles/418595-the-real-truth-world-cup-why-soccer-is-so-popular-around-the-world> [Accessed 30 November 2022].
rookieroad (2017). FIFA World Cup History. [online] www.rookieroad.com. Available at: <https://www.rookieroad.com/fifa-world-cup/history-8610770/>[Accessed 27 November 2022].
