What's the world cup?
It's not complicated for anyone except our US brethren
It's a competition where the winner gets a cup (a nice shiny one).
But then it is a little tougher to explain. You see the use of the word 'World' in this instance means literally
EVERY contry in the world can enter their national team in it. Unlike in America where the use of the word 'world' in sport (e.g. the baseball World Series) can mean only teams based in America normally take part.
Now to further complicate things the competition is for playing what most countries in the world refer to as 'football'. This is a game played by people using mainly their foot to kick a spherical ball. Of course in America 'football' refers to a strange game which involves an egg-shaped object largely carried in the hands. Actually more like a sort of 'egg-hand-ball'.
The World Cuo and indeed 'football' is rather popular worldwide, but not so in the USA, sadly. I guess it's just not exciting enough.
sorry - very bored on a long hall flight.