This year, 32 teams comprising of 736 players will converge in Brazil to duke it out on a field to fight for the coveted World Cup trophy.

But just because you've been following the sport for most of your life, doesn't mean that you know everything there is to know. Here are some interesting facts about the World Cup that most football fanatics probably didn't know about:

12. Pitbull Has The Worst World Cup Song Ever

Seriously, what was he thinking?



Thankfully, Shakira managed to record her own version which isn't as embarrasing:


11. Goal-line technology and more

No more arguing with your mates over controversial goals, as this year's event marks as the first time that Goal-line technology will be used at the World Cup. Drones and robots will be utilised to monitor crowds for defense and security purposes.


10. Football Makes People Super Drunk & Hungry
During the last World Cup, people consumed more than 2.4 million bottles of beer. And nearly 400,000 hot dogs were sold across individual stadiums back in 2010.

9. The Viewing Figures Are INSANE
Back in 2006, an astonishing 715 million people tuned in to watch the World Cup Final live. Additionally, the 2010 tournament in South Africa was broadcast to every single country in the world including the Arctic Circle.

8. Expect A Full House At The Stadium

The record attendance for a one off game held in Brazil's Maracana stadium was said to be more than 199,000 spectators, making it the largest single-game attendance in history.

7. Ryan Giggs Has Never Made It To A World Cup

Despite acquiring an incredible 34 trophies during his career in Manchester United, which includes 13 league titles as well as two UEFA Champions Leagues, Ryan Giggs will never get a taste of what the World Cup is because he recently retired at the age of 41.

6. Number Of Nations
Since its inception back in 1930, the World Cup has seen a total of 76 teams do battle with some countries no longer existing or reforming (Yugoslavia, West Germany and the Soviet Union). This year, Bosnia-Herzegovina will be appearing for the very first time in the World Cup, making them the 77th country to be involved.

5. Most Red Cards

The red and yellow cards were officially introduced during the tournament in Mexico in 1970. The first man to be shown the red card was Carlos Caszely of Chile in 1974. The most red cards dished out to players was at the 2006 tournament where 28 were distributed.

4. Most expensive World Cup

1994 USA:US$ 30 million
1998 France: US$ 340 million
2002 Japan/South Korea: US$ 5 billion
2006 Germany: US$ 6 billion
2010 South Africa: US$ 4 billion

The cost so far for 2014 is 14-16 billion dollars.

3. Youngest Scorer

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, currently holds the record for the youngest ever goal scorer at the World Cup during the 1958 tournament. Pele scored against Wales at the tender age of just 17 years and 239 days.

2. Official Ball

The Brazuca is the official ball of the 2014 World Cup. It is comprised of six polyurethane panels with a myriad of colours which definitely grabs the attention. Its so famous that it even has its own personal social media account!

1. Brazil

The country has participated in the World Cup since the 1930s. This will be the 2nd time they are hosting, making them the 5th country to host the event twice.