The third World Cup was held in yet another European country as France took to the stage as the host of the 1938 World Cup finals. However, unlike the two tournaments gone before, France didn’t make the most of home advantage and ended a run of two straight home nation victories after Uruguay & Italy had previously won the tournament in their respective countries.

Another first saw Italy regain the World Cup and become the first country to win back-to-back World Cup titles when they beat Hungary in the final. However, the 1938 finals saw the very last World Cup where Groups were not used. All the World Cups up till now were played in a straightforward knock-out style but that was binned by FIFA.

This was also the last World Cup before the second World War and the finals took a 12 year break.

Final:

Hungary 2 – 4 Italy  – Stade Olympique de Colmbes ~ 60,000 Attendance

Goalscorers:

Hungary – Titkos, Sarosi
Italy – Colaussi x2, Piola x2

Third Place Play-Off:

Sweden 2 – 4 Brazil

Goalscorers:

Sweden – Jonasson, Nyberg
Brazil – Romeu, Leonidas x2, Peracio