The Federation Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) was formed in 1904, four years after the game became the first team sport, with water polo, at the Olympiad. England won in 1900 - although technically the team was not England but Upton Park Football Club - 1908 and 1912, after which Hungary became the dominant force, winning 18 successive games on its way to the 1964 and 1968 titles. Uruguay, in 1924 and 1928, is the only other nation to have retained the title. The first women's title, in 1996, was won by the United States.

The men's final is played at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, September 30, while the women's final will be played at the Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday, September 28.

Eastern bloc teams dominated after the Second World War as professional football leagues drew away many players in Western countries. Since 1984, professionals have been allowed to play and the challenge has become more serious. Nigeria, Brazil, Germany and Argentina are favourites among men, while the US, Norway and China are favoured among women.