THE LOWDOWN — THE FULL HISTORY
THE PREMISE
In 96 years and 22 World Cups, only eight nations have won the trophy. Part I of The Throne is a roll call of those kings.
THE KINGS
Brazil, five titles, the only nation at every World Cup, from a 17-year-old Pelé to a resurrected Ronaldo. Italy, four, two before the Second World War and two after. Germany, four: Bern 1954, Rome 1990, Rio 2014. Argentina, three: Maradona's hand, Maradona's feet, and Messi crowned in the desert in 2022. Uruguay, two, including the very first. France, two: Zidane's two headers and a teenage Mbappé. England, one, Wembley 1966, and sixty years waiting since. Spain, one, won by Iniesta in the 116th minute.
THE GHOSTS
Hungary, the Netherlands and Croatia: great sides that reached the final and never won it.
WHAT COMES NEXT
The film closes on the eve of the 2026 final. Part II is The War.
MORE FROM THE THRONE
THE TERRACES — DISCUSSION
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