The World Cup is held every four years, but the qualifying tournament lasts for three years and adopts the regional qualifying tournament. 197 national teams participated in the qualifiers of the 2006 world cup. The final stage includes 32 national teams playing for four weeks in the previously nominated host country.
The World Cup finals (usually called "finals") have been held every four years since 1930. Except for 1942 and 1946, which were cancelled due to World War II, it is the most watched sports event in the world. It has a global audience of more than 3 billion (half of the world's population), even exceeding the Olympic Games.
Only seven countries have won the World Cup. Brazil is the most successful World Cup team, winning the World Cup five times. Germany and Italy followed closely, winning three championships each. Argentina and Uruguay each have two champions. Finally, France and Britain each have a championship title.
The next World Cup will be held in Germany from June 9 to July 9, 2006.