Football General Knowledge Quiz: 30 Questions to Test Yourself
Football general knowledge goes far beyond weekend results. It encompasses the century-old history of the sport, its incredible records, its legends and moments that have marked generations. Here are 30 questions to evaluate your level!
Football History
1In what year was FIFA created?
FIFA was founded on May 21, 1904 in Paris, by seven European national federations.
2Which was the first country to host a World Cup?
Uruguay in 1930, winning the tournament by beating Argentina 4-2 in the final.
3What is the origin of the word 'football'?
The word comes from 'foot' and 'ball'. The modern rules were codified in England in 1863.
4What is the oldest football club still active?
Sheffield FC, founded in 1857 in England.
5When was the red card introduced in the World Cup?
In 1970, in Mexico. Before that, referees communicated expulsions verbally.
6Which country boycotted the first World Cup in 1930?
Most European countries. Only 4 European nations participated.
7When did women's football have its first World Cup?
In 1991, in China. The United States won the first title.
8What was the first televised football match?
Arsenal vs Arsenal Reserves in 1937, broadcast by the BBC.
9Which country won the first Olympic gold medal in football?
Great Britain in 1908, at the London Olympics.
10When was the offside rule last modified?
In 2023-2024 with the introduction of semi-automated offside technology in the Champions League.
Records and Numbers
11Which player scored the most goals in a single World Cup edition?
Just Fontaine with 13 goals during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, a record still unbeaten.
12What is the longest winning streak by a national team?
Brazil with 35 consecutive wins between 1993 and 1996.
13What is the longest match in football history?
A match between Stockport County and Doncaster Rovers in 1946 that lasted 3h23 (203 minutes).
14Which goalkeeper has scored the most goals in history?
Rogério Ceni with 131 career goals, mainly from free kicks and penalties.
15Which player has received the most red cards in their career?
Gerardo Bedoya with 46 red cards in professional career.
16What is the largest attendance for a football match?
199,854 spectators for the 1950 World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay at the Maracanã.
17Which player has played the most World Cups?
Antonio Carbajal and Gianluigi Buffon with 5 participations each.
18What is the most common score in football history?
1-0, which represents about 17% of all results.
19Which club has won the most national titles in the world?
Rangers FC (Scotland) and Linfield FC (Northern Ireland) with over 55 titles each.
20What is the fastest goal in football history?
2 seconds, scored by Nawaf Al-Abed in 2009 during a youth match in Saudi Arabia.
Legends and Trivia
21Why is Diego Maradona considered one of the greatest?
For his exceptional talent illustrated by the 'Goal of the Century' and the 'Hand of God' against England in 1986, and his role in Argentina's World Cup title the same year.
22Which player was nicknamed 'The Phenomenon'?
Ronaldo Nazário (Brazilian Ronaldo), for his extraordinary athletic and technical abilities.
23Which coach invented 'Total Football'?
Rinus Michels with Ajax Amsterdam and then the Netherlands national team in the 1970s.
24Which player is famous for long-range goals?
David Beckham is famous for his incredible long-range goals. In MLS, Sebastian Giovinco scored one of the longest goals.
25What is the nickname of the Brazilian national team?
A Seleção ('The Selection' in Portuguese). They are also called 'Canarinha' (little canary) referencing their yellow shirt.
26Who scored the most famous 'ghost goal' in history?
Geoff Hurst during the 1966 World Cup final between England and Germany. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced on the line, the goal was awarded.
27Which French player was the first to play in 4 major European leagues?
Nicolas Anelka, who played in Ligue 1, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
28Which team is nicknamed 'Clockwork Orange'?
The Netherlands national team, in reference to Stanley Kubrick's film and the color of their jersey.
29Which goalkeeper has won the Ballon d'Or?
Lev Yashin in 1963, the only goalkeeper in history to receive this award.
30What was the 'Battle of Santiago'?
An extremely violent match between Chile and Italy during the 1962 World Cup, with numerous fights and two red cards.
These questions are just a glimpse of the richness of football culture. To go further, play our free football quiz and discover hundreds more questions!
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