The FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar is already breaking numerous records with a number of firsts for the tournament. As the first major sporting event in the Middle East, Qatar is immensely proud of this recognition.
But apart from Qatar's great achievements, let's look at some of the FIFA firsts throughout history! In this list, the ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team has put together several first-time achievements during the many tournaments of the FIFA World Cup.
Read on to know more!
The first FIFA World Cup tournament was held in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo in 1930. FIFA recalls the event to have been a wild experience that will leave modern football fans surprised. The first FIFA World Cup saw teams arriving together on the same boat, had an unfinished stadium, and a goal scored by a one-armed player during the final!
The first FIFA World Cup tournament awarded Uruguay as the first tournament champion. The host country was also crowned as the winner after it defeated its neighbouring country, Argentina, with a score of 4-2.
During the 1930 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay, French player Lucien Laurent made the first FIFA World Cup goal in a match against Mexico. The goal paved the way for France to win against Mexico with a 4 goal lead.
Unfortunately, the team could not win the trophy during this tournament despite breaking the first goal.
Donning a Union Jack jersey paired with a Beatle haircut was a lion from England who served as FIFA's first World Cup mascot. This lion, adored by many fans of all ages, was named World Cup Willie. The mascot is said to have revolutionized marketing and merchandising for the FIFA World Cup as its caricature and character were seen mostly everywhere, from toys to candy!
World Cup Willie, created for the 1966 FIFA World Cup, had a great impact during its time as comic strips and songs were made about the mascot.
RELATED: Get to know the FIFA World Cup mascots (1982-2022)
Created in 1962, the first FIFA World Cup song released for the event was a Spanish song from the group Los Ramblers called "El Rock del Mundial". The song was said to have become a major hit in South America, even becoming one of the best-selling singles in the history of Chilean music.
RELATED: Listen to the official songs of the FIFA World Cup™ over the years
In the 1930 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay, the first FIFA World Cup poster was created. The poster, designed by Uruguayan painter, sculptor, and designer Guillermo Laborde shows a faceless goalkeeper wearing the signature blue Uruguayan colour, catching a ball. The number 1 can also be seen on the design as it represents the tournament’s first event.
RELATED: FIFA World Cup posters through the years (1930-2022)
It was during the 1954 FIFA World Cup that the first ever FIFA World Cup logo was introduced. Hosted by Switzerland, the logo showed the Swiss flag in the middle of a football ball.
RELATED: FIFA World Cup logos through the years (1954-2022)
The first FIFA World Cup trophy was originally called the ‘Coupe du Monde’ by French sculpture Abel Lafleur. Years later, the trophy was renamed 'Jules Rimet Trophy' and was dubbed the 'Golden Goddess'. The trophy was first awarded to Uruguay in the 1930 FIFA World Cup in Uruguay and was subject to theft more than once throughout its course.
In 1970, the trophy retired and was awarded to Brazil, and was kept there for guardianship. However, the trophy was stolen from Brazil's custody and was believed to have been melted and sold. The original trophy was never recovered.
The first FIFA World Cup held in Asia was in 2002 and was also the first co-hosted FIFA World Cup between South Korea and Japan. Initially, the two nations were in a bid against each other but eventually joined forces to win the bid against Mexico.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the first and last co-hosted tournament which experienced several logistical concerns as matches were played in two countries.
FIFA records that the first MENA country to have participated in the FIFA World Cup was Egypt. Although the country did not win during the 1934 FIFA World Cup, it scored 2 goals.
In 2010, Qatar won the opportunity to hold the FIFA World Cup tournament in the country. It was initially set to take place in June or July, but due to the country's hot climate during these months, it was decided to hold the first winter FIFA World Cup.
RELATED: All about the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar is making records with the innovations it has made for the tournament. The matches will be held in 8 sustainable stadiums, one of which is the first demountable stadium for the FIFA World Cup.
Stadium 974 named after the country's international dialling code, is made out of shipping containers to pay homage to Qatar's maritime efforts. Stadium 974 uses sustainable materials and can be reassembled in a different location or turned into smaller stadiums.
RELATED: Must visit places near Stadium 974
This year's FIFA World Cup will have female referees participate in the tournament for the first time in history. No other FIFA World Cup has made this happen, making it a pivotal moment for FIFA, football, and women alike.
The list of the six selected women referees includes France's Stephanie Frappart, Rwanda's Salima Mukasanga, Japan's Yoshimi Yamashita (field referee), Brazil's Noiza Pak, Mexico's Karen Diaz Medina, and American Catherine Nesbitt (assistant referee).
FIFA World Cups have seen various official match balls throughout the tournament. Qatar's FIFA World Cup has considered the environment and resources in creating its official match ball this year.
Using sustainable materials, the Al Rihla debuts as the first official match ball, using water-based inks and glues to create the ball.
Building on a lasting legacy for the country, Qatar has aimed to reduce and offset the climate impact that the FIFA World Cup might produce by creating the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup through its sustainable strategies.
This year's FIFA World Cup is set to reduce carbon emissions by building its stadiums and showing the transparency of its carbon footprints. It has also launched several campaigns and projects to offset the carbon emissions from the tournament that will last for years.
RELATED: How Qatar 2022 will be the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup™ in history
Source: FIFA, Wikipedia, RSSSF, FourFourTwo, BBC News
Do you know any other first-times of the FIFA World Cup? Let us know in the comments below! Do share this article - it keeps us going!
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