We are all excited for the World Cup 2014 to kick off on June 12! Fans everyone, especially in Lebanon, have started their preparations... Flags are hanging from balconies and on car windows, disputes took over every office, house and gathering regarding which team will win and Germany VS Brazil fans are still taking the competition to a whole different paradigm! Away from then rush and anticipation, here are a few facts you probably did not know about FIFA World Cup 2014 1. The World Cup happens once every four years and lasts for a month in the summer. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 stadiums in Brazil, the host country of the FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 12, 2014.
2. Brazil is the only country to participate in every edition of the World Cup, which takes them to 20 straight appearances including this year.
3. Jennifer Lopez will perform at opening ceremony
4. . Every team will earn $8 million this summer just for showing up, plus $1.5 million to cover preparation expenses, according to FIFA.
5. Spain took home $30 million in prize money for winning the 2010 World Cup. This year's winner will earn $35 million, nearly three times more than Brazil in 2002.
6. More than 40k people can be seated in each of the 12 stadiums where the games will take place
7. This could be the last World Cup featuring 32 teams. FIFA is considering expanding the field to 40 for the 2018 tournament in Russia.
8. Brazil is the second largest country to host a World Cup, after the U.S. in 1994.
9. A European team had never won outside of Europe until Spain won in South Africa four years ago.
10. Germany has never lost a penalty shootout at the World Cup in four attempts. England has never won one in three.