The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off today, as 32 countries vie for one of the greatest trophies in the world of sports. The tournament has taken place every four years since 1930 (excluding World War II), making this the 21st World Cup.
“Although in no way, shape or form do we support investing based on potential World Cup winners, wouldn’t you know it that the S&P 500 Index has done quite well when a European country came out on top? In fact, only European and South American countries have ever won a World Cup, with the S&P 500 up 8.6 percent for the year on average when Europe has won, versus only 1.1 percent for South America,” explained LPL Research Senior Market Strategist Ryan Detrick.
Here are some (nonfinacial) takeaways to help you win at World Cup trivia:
• The World Cup was cancelled in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II.
• A European country has won the World Cup 11 times, with South American teams making up the other nine.
• Europe has won the past three World Cups, making this the longest such win streak for any one continent.
• Brazil has won the most World Cups, at five. Italy and Germany are tied for second at four.
• Technicaly, Germany has only one World Cup (2014); West Germany won the other three.
• The United States missed the World Cup in 2018 for the first time since 1986.
• Brazil, France and Germany are the favorites this year.