1938 FIFA World Cup
FIFA chose France as the host nation in Berlin on the 13th of August 1936. The decision to hold a second consecutive tournament in Europe caused outrage across South America. Many believed the venue should alternate between continents after Italy hosted in 1934. Argentina and Uruguay declined to take part following this controversy. The United States and Mexico joined qualifying rounds but eventually withdrew from the competition. Argentina submitted a late application that was accepted before a definitive withdrawal due to disagreements between clubs and federations.
The Spanish Civil War prevented Spain from participating in the tournament. Austria qualified for the World Cup but withdrew after the Anschluss united it with Germany. Some Austrian players joined the German squad while star player Matthias Sindelar refused to play for the unified team. Sweden advanced directly to the second round by default after Austria's withdrawal. Only three non-European nations took part including Brazil, Cuba, and Dutch East Indies. This marked the smallest number of teams from outside the host continent ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup.
A match tied after 90 minutes required 30 minutes of extra time to break the deadlock. If scores remained level after extra time, the match would be replayed entirely. Germany lost 2, 4 to Switzerland in Paris despite leading 1, 0 in the first game. A bottle-throwing crowd watched as Germany suffered its only early knockout exit until 2018. Czechoslovakia took Brazil to extra time in Bordeaux before losing 2, 1 in a replay. Oldřich Nejedlý and František Plánička both suffered broken bones during that feisty encounter.
Vittorio Pozzo led Italy to victory over Hungary with a final score of 4, 2. The Italian side took an early lead but Hungary equalized within two minutes. By halftime Italy held a 3, 1 advantage that they maintained through the second half. Pozzo became the only coach to win multiple World Cups under his leadership. Rumors claimed Benito Mussolini sent a telegram saying Win or die but player Pietro Rava denied this account in 2001 interviews. Italy defended their title successfully for the first time in tournament history.
Eleven venues across ten French cities were planned to host matches during the event. The Stade Olympique de Colombes in Paris hosted the final match between Italy and Hungary. Capacity figures ranged from 7,000 at Antibes to 60,000 at Colombes. The Stade de Gerland in Lyon did not host any matches due to Austria's withdrawal. Other stadiums included Marseille, Strasbourg, Le Havre, Reims, Toulouse, Lille, and Bordeaux. Each venue contributed to the logistical challenge of hosting teams across the country.
Leônidas scored seven goals to become the top scorer of the tournament. A total of 84 goals were recorded by 42 players including two own goals. György Sárosi and Gyula Zsengellér each finished with five goals while Silvio Piola also reached that mark. Gino Colaussi and Ernest Wilimowski both scored four goals during the competition. Perácio, Romeu, Héctor Socorro, Harry Andersson, Arne Nyberg, Gustav Wetterström, and André Abegglen all netted three goals. The tournament featured numerous individual performances alongside team achievements.
World War II caused a twelve-year hiatus until the next tournament in 1950. Italy remained reigning World Cup holders for a record sixteen years from 1934 to 1950. Dr. Ottorino Barassi hid the trophy in a shoebox under his bed throughout the war. This action saved the trophy from falling into the hands of occupying troops. The 1942 and 1946 tournaments were cancelled due to global conflict. No World Cup occurred between 1938 and 1950 as nations focused on survival rather than sport.
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Common questions
When did FIFA choose France as the host nation for the 1938 FIFA World Cup?
FIFA chose France as the host nation in Berlin on the 13th of August 1936. The decision to hold a second consecutive tournament in Europe caused outrage across South America.
Which countries declined to participate in the 1938 FIFA World Cup due to controversy?
Argentina and Uruguay declined to take part following this controversy. Many believed the venue should alternate between continents after Italy hosted in 1934.
Who won the final match of the 1938 FIFA World Cup against Hungary?
Vittorio Pozzo led Italy to victory over Hungary with a final score of 4, 2. Italy defended their title successfully for the first time in tournament history.
How many goals did Leônidas score during the 1938 FIFA World Cup?
Leônidas scored seven goals to become the top scorer of the tournament. A total of 84 goals were recorded by 42 players including two own goals.
Why was the trophy hidden under Dr. Ottorino Barassi's bed during World War II?
Dr. Ottorino Barassi hid the trophy in a shoebox under his bed throughout the war. This action saved the trophy from falling into the hands of occupying troops.