世界 means "world" and 杯 means "cup" or "trophy." Put them together and you have the name of the biggest sporting event on the planet.

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足 means "foot" and 球 means "ball." Simple and logical.

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You'll hear this word constantly during the World Cup. It covers any kind of competition or game, not just football.

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进 means "to enter" or "to advance," and 球 is "ball"... the ball goes in. When a goal is scored, commentators shout 进球了！(Jìn qiú le!)

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球 is "ball" and 队 means "team" or "group." The national team is specifically called 国家队 (guójiā duì).

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The person everyone argues with.

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点 refers to the penalty spot on the pitch. When a match goes to a shootout, it becomes 点球大战 (diǎnqiú dàzhàn) - literally "penalty kick battle."

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冠 means "crown" — this word refers to both the winning team and the title itself. The most important word come the final.

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迷 means "fan" or "enthusiast." You'll see it in other words too: 影迷 (film fan) and 歌迷 (music fan). Versatile and useful.

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When neither team wins. 平 means "equal" or "flat," and 局 refers to a game or situation. Frustrating in a final, inevitable in a group stage.

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上 means "upper" or "first," and 半场 means "half of the match." Essential for following commentary. The opposite is 下半场 below.

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下 means "lower" or "second." Together with 上半场, these two words will carry you through almost any match commentary you listen to.

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