What do you get when you combine the biggest sporting event in the world, 32 competing countries, the craziest fans alive and a month of non-stop soccer madness? A great excuse to party! The World Cup hosts by far the most anticipated and celebrated games on the globe. Whether you’re a die-hard-soccer-fanatic or you just want to be a part of the hype, use these World Cup Party Ideas from Celebrations writer Kaysie Norman for a super-sized dose of sports mania.

World Cup Fun Facts:

If you want to impress your guests with your worldly knowledge of the game of soccer and the Olympic-sized popularity of the World Cup, share these tidbits with them at your World Cup Party:

• In 1930, a Frenchman by the name of Jules Rimet created the concept of the World Cup in the aftermath of WWI to promote a sense of international unity.
• It is estimated that the first form of “football” was first played in China over 2,000 years ago but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the English Football Association was founded and the sport was recognized as legit.
• The World Cup occurs every four years, with the championship awarded to one team, one country, in a ceremony complete with a gold trophy. The only time this tradition was broken was in 1942 and 1946 during WWII.
• The World Cup is the most widely viewed sporting event in the world; an estimated 715 million people were glue to their televisions in 2006.
• Brazil holds the record for most World Cup wins – 5 times – and they are the only nation in history to play in every single tournament.

World Cup Decorations:

So you have the huge flat screen left over from the Super Bowl but you’re seriously lacking in festive World Cup decorations. Look no further! Visit these fabulous web sites and order these affordable flags, posters and more to turn your home into World Cup central.

• World Cup Flags
Hang flags all around the top of the wall in your TV room. Each country playing in the World Cup this year is represented. For an extra touch, place a red “X” on each flag as its country gets eliminated.
• World Cup Stadium Crowd Scene
This thin plastic sheet can be hung on a blank wall, preferably opposite the TV, so that you feel like you’re actaully in South Africa watching the games live! It’s a silly, novelty decoration that will surely put your guests in a lighthearted party mood. It might even squelch the opposing team arguments because a cheering crowd mural is a constant reminder to play nice.
• World Cup Pinata

If you’re planning on having children at your World Cup Party, a soccer ball pinata is the perfect decoration. Fill it with candy, team bumper stickers, whistles, etc. You might want to hang it somewhere outdoors so that nothing in your house gets damaged by the soccer fans diving for the piñata treats.

For more ideas, visit Celebrations.com.