The FIFA World Cup is held every four years. This quadrennial schedule has been in place since the tournament's inception in 1930, except for interruptions in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. The four-year interval allows sufficient time for the extensive qualification process, which involves many national teams competing over several years to earn a place in the tournament. It also provides time for players to rest and for host countries to prepare the infrastructure needed for the event. The tournament features 32 teams currently, expanding to 48 teams starting with the 2026 World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada

. There have been discussions about potentially holding the World Cup every two years, but this proposal has faced resistance due to concerns about player welfare, scheduling conflicts, and the traditional significance of the four- year cycle