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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Barnaby Lane

Why Is the World Cup Played Every Four Years?

World Cup Fifa Gianni Infantino UEFA Champions League

The World Cup is the biggest sporting tournament on the planet, watched by billions every time it rolls around once every four years.

In fact, the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, which saw Argentina beat France on penalties as Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the trophy, remains the most-viewed sporting event of all time, with an estimated 5.4 billion people tuning in from around the world. That number could be smashed once the viewing figures for the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina are confirmed.

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