The FIFA World Cup began in 1930 with as much controversy and enthusiasm as there is today surrounding the quadrennial event. Uruguay and Argentina faced one another in the first final match 84 years ago but couldn’t agree on a ball to use. FIFA gave Argentina the right to select the ball for the first half of the match, while Uruguay chose the ball for the second half…
1930, Uruguay
Since those first rudimentary balls were used, the soccer balls — or footballs for many of you — have changed significantly.
These photos show the soccer ball used for every World Cup final, documenting the intriguing evolution of the world’s most popular sport…
1934, Italy
1938, France
1950, Brazil
1954, Switzerland
1958, Sweden
1962, Chile
1966, England
1970, Mexico
1974, Germany
1978, Argentina
1982, Spain
1986, Mexico
1990, Italy
1994, United States
1998, France
2002, South Korea and Japan
2006, Germany
2010, South Africa
2014, Brazil
(via Reddit)