World Cup

　　Formally Fifa World Cup, in association with footba ll (soccer), is the trophy that symbolizes the world ch ampionship. The first competition for the cup was organ ized in 1930 by the Federation Internationale de Footba ll Association (FIFA) and was won by Uruguay. Held ever y four years since that time, except during World War I I, the competition consists of international sectional tournaments leading to a final elimination event made u p of 16 national teams. Unlike Olympic association foot ball, World Cup teams are not limited to amateur player s, and so the competition serves more nearly as a conte st between the world's best players. Referees are selec ted from lists that are submitted by all the national a ssociations.

　　The trophy cup awarded from 1930 to 1970 was the Ju les Rimet Trophy, named for the Frenchman who proposed the tournament. This cup was permanently awarded in 197 0 to three-time winner Brazil (1958, 1962, and 1970), a nd a new trophy called FIFA World Cup was put up for co mpetition