el Mundial
/el munˈdjal/The FIFA World Cup, the international football (soccer) tournament held every four years.
El Mundial es el evento deportivo más visto del mundo.
The World Cup is the most-watched sporting event in the world.
En 2014, Alemania ganó el Mundial de Brasil.
In 2014, Germany won the World Cup in Brazil.
Refers specifically to the FIFA World Cup, not other sports tournaments. Often used with the year and host country (e.g., 'el Mundial de Qatar 2022').
Collocations
💡Pro Tip
Contextual Usage
Use 'el Mundial' when referring to the FIFA World Cup specifically. For other sports (e.g., basketball, rugby), use 'el Campeonato Mundial de [sport]' (e.g., 'el Campeonato Mundial de Baloncesto').
⚡Gold Rule
Definite Article
The phrase always includes the definite article 'el' (e.g., 'el Mundial' not 'Mundial').
FIFA World Cup Only
Never use 'el Mundial' for non-FIFA tournaments or other sports unless clarifying (e.g., 'el Mundial de Fútbol' to specify soccer).
📖Word Origin
Shortened from 'el Campeonato Mundial de Fútbol' (World Football Championship). 'Mundial' comes from 'mundo' (world), referring to the global nature of the tournament.
📝Usage Notes
Always refers to the FIFA World Cup. Do not confuse with 'mundial' (adjective meaning 'global' or 'worldwide'). The phrase is always used with the definite article 'el'.