In Hattrick, just like in the real world, there are national teams competing against each other. But in Hattrick the coach of your country's national squad is elected by you! Each Hattrick country has a main national squad, as well as an U21 team featuring players 21 years old or younger. This means each country has two national coaches, both elected by the community. The World Cup format changed in Season 77 (17th January 2021).
The National teams compete against each other in three interconnected tournaments. The continental championships, the Nations Cup and the actual World Cup. The competition cycle spans two seasons. It starts with the continental championships for European, American, African and Asia/Oceania leagues and ends with the World Cup.
The Nations Cup is a lesser tournament for teams that did not reach the World Cup and is played in parallel to the World Cup.