Weltmeisterschaft

Weltmeisterschaft is the German term for a world championship in sport and related competitive disciplines. It designates an event at which competitors from countries around the world compete to determine the world champion in a given field. The phrase is used across many sports and is often part of the official event name, such as Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft or Schach-Weltmeisterschaft. In everyday German usage, Weltmeisterschaft contrasts with world cups, continental championships, or national championships, which involve different formats or scopes.

These events are organized by international governing bodies specific to each sport. They usually feature national teams or individual athletes representing their countries and are typically held on a regular cycle, ranging from two to four years between editions, though schedules vary widely by sport. The competition formats range from group stages and knockout rounds to direct finals. The title of world champion is awarded to the participant who wins the decisive match, race, or series of rounds.

Some weltmeisterschaften are among the highest-profile sporting events worldwide. The Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft is the best-known example, with the tournament first played in 1930 and held every four years (with exceptions). Other examples include Leichtathletik-Weltmeisterschaften (athletics), Schwimm-Weltmeisterschaften (swimming) or Schach-Weltmeisterschaften (chess).

Beyond prestige, weltmeisterschaften have significant economic and cultural impact, influencing tourism, media rights, and sponsorship. Host nations undertake large-scale infrastructure and organizational preparations, while debates sometimes arise over bidding, costs, readiness, and competitive fairness.