Very few countries can boast of having hosted a FIFA World Cup. Even with the 2026 edition set to be the 23rd in history, only a select group has had that privilege — and on just two occasions has the tournament been shared by more than one nation, as happened in 2002 and will happen again in 2026.

Staging the world’s biggest sporting event is no easy task, but it has often inspired host nations to rise to the occasion and deliver unforgettable performances on football’s grandest stage.

Here’s a look back at how host countries have fared throughout World Cup history.

FUN FACTS

Only 19 of FIFA’s 211 member associations have hosted a World Cup, with Mexico leading the way as the only nation to do so three times. Germany, France, Italy, Brazil and United States follow with two editions each. The tournament has been played across four continents, with Oceania the lone exception.

Just six host nations have gone on to lift the trophy: Uruguay, Italy, England, Germany, Argentina and France. The last to achieve the feat was France 28 years ago, largely before the tournament’s globalization expanded hosting duties beyond Europe and South America in the early 2000s.

South Africa and Qatar remain the only host nations to fail to advance past the group stage, while every other host has managed to deliver in front of its home crowd.

HOW HAS EACH HOST NATION PERFORMED?

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