The 1938 France World Cup

France 1938

France hosted the third World Cup amidst a political crisis and under the shadow of World War II, which would break out just a year later. The third Football World Championship kicked off in June 1938 in France.

This World Cup served as a brief pause from the problems of the time, with Germany ruling Austria and a wave of attacks taking place.

South American teams, led by Argentina, refused to participate because they demanded the tournament alternate between continents and wanted it to be held in the Americas. Only 15 countries participated in the event: 12 from Europe, 2 from the Americas, and 1 from Asia.

Participating Teams:

Germany
Belgium
Czechoslovakia
France
Hungary
Netherlands
Italy
Norway
Poland
Romania
Sweden
Switzerland
Dutch East Indies
Brazil
Cuba

Favorites Germany and Brazil Eliminated
Germany, arriving with an air of invincibility and wearing the Nazi symbol on their chest, was eliminated by Switzerland. On the other hand, Brazil’s arrogance cost them dearly, as their coach left out key players like Leonidas, Tim, and Hércules, leading to their defeat against Italy.

World Cup Highlights

Leonidas da Silva (Brazil): Scored 8 goals during the tournament.
Frantisek Planicka (Hungary): Played against Brazil as goalkeeper without conceding a goal, despite having a broken arm.
Vittorio Pozzo (Italy): The only coach to win two consecutive World Cups.
Leonidas scored a goal against Poland with his bare foot after losing his shoe in the torrential rain and mud.

A Telegram from Mussolini
Before the final match, the Italian team received a telegram from Mussolini that read, "Win or Die." Motivated by this, the Italians played with their full potential, demonstrating their superiority over Hungary with a 4-2 victory, securing their second World Cup title.

The winners wore military uniforms during the award ceremony. Meanwhile, Hungary’s goalkeeper remarked, "I saved the lives of 11 footballers by letting in 4 goals." (Could it be they let Italy win to save them?)

Final Standings