List of FIFA Tournaments

FIFA is a regulatory authority that oversees the preparations for all international football events and bears all administrative and logistic costs that are required to stage such events.

The body organises different tournaments at the senior level for both men’s and women’s teams as well as at the junior level.

In this piece, we explain in detail different tournaments that FIFA organises.

1. FIFA World Cup

One of the most popular and reputed footballing events, the FIFA Men’s World Cup is held every four years. The inaugural event was won by Uruguay in 1930, but it wasn’t played in 1942 and 1946 due to the World War.

Brazil has won it 5 times, while Germany and Argentina have won 4 and 3 times, respectively. The next Men’s World Cup will be held in 2026 and will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with 46 teams participating in it.

The Women’s World Cup was first held in 1991 in China. USA has won the tournament 4 times. It is also held every 4 years. The last edition was won by Spain in 2023, where 32 teams played, while the next edition will be played in Brazil in 2027.

2. FIFA Club World Cup

It includes clubs that have won championships from six confederations (CAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, etc.), including champion clubs from the host country.

The tournament witnesses the best clubs from different countries battle it out. It was introduced in 2000 and has helped spread the sport’s popularity.

3. FIFA Under-20 World Cup

The FIFA Under-20 World Cup was first introduced in 1977, which was won by Russia (Soviet Union). It features players who are below the age of 20.

The tournament has witnessed the arrival of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, etc. It acts as a platform to polish the skills of talented youngsters who can have productive careers at the senior level.

The first Women’s Under-20 World Cup was held in 2002, which was won by Spain. Players like Alex Popp, Marta, Heather O’Reilly, and Alex Morgan have had successful careers after playing in the Under-20 World Cups.

4. FIFA Under-17 World Cup

It features players who are below the age group of 17. The tournament helps in the overall development of young, talented players and acts as a foundation to strengthen them technically.

The first Men’s Under-17 World Cup was held in 1985 in China. Nigeria has won the tournament 5 times, while Brazil has won 4 times.

The Women’s Under-17 FIFA World Cup was first played in 2008 in New Zealand. Spain and North Korea have won the tournament twice each.

The 2022 Women’s Under-17 World Cup, which was hosted by India, was won by Spain. In 2024, it will be played in the Dominican Republic.

5. FIFA Futsal World Cup

The FIFA Men’s Futsal World Cup was first introduced in 1989 in the Netherlands, and since 1992 it has been played every four years. Brazil has won the tournament 5 times.

It also consists of 11 players per side. It is played indoors on a hard court surface.

The first Women’s Futsal World Cup was held in Spain in 2010. Brazil has won the tournament 6 times in the women’s category.

The next edition of the Men’s Futsal World Cup will be held in Uzbekistan in 2024. Futsal sharpens skilful play, as it is fast-paced and has gained popularity worldwide.

6. FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

The inaugural Beach Soccer World Cup was held in 1995. It is played on sand and over the years it has gained popularity.

Only the men’s teams play in this World Cup. So far, 22 editions have been held, with Brazil winning the trophy 15 times, including the 2024 edition. It is played every two years.

7. FIFA eWorld Cup

The competition was introduced in 2004. It witnesses teams who are competent in virtual gaming, as it is a competition where participants battle it out in a FIFA video game.

So far, 17 editions have been held. It has attracted popularity among the younger generation and gaming communities. It is held every year.

8. FIFA Arab Cup

The tournament was introduced in 1963 in the men’s category, which was played in Lebanon, but it was stopped after the 2012 edition. It was again revived in 2021.

Iraq has won the event 4 times, while Algeria won the tournament in 2021 in Qatar. So far, only two Women’s Arab Cup editions have been played — 2006 and 2021, with Algeria and Jordan winning it, respectively. It is aimed at strengthening the game at the regional level in Asia and Africa.

9. FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-Off Tournament

This is a new tournament where teams who haven’t qualified for the World Cup directly have a chance to qualify through the playoffs.