The 1938 FIFA World Cup, held in France, was a highly anticipated event as it was the first time the tournament had been held outside of South America and Europe. However, the event was also overshadowed by the political tensions of the time, particularly the impending outbreak of World War II. Despite these challenges, the tournament showcased some of the finest footballers of the era and ended with Italy emerging as champions for the second consecutive time. It would be the last World Cup until 1950 because the 1942 and 1946 World Cups were canceled due to World War II.
The tournament was contested by 15 teams, including several that had qualified for the first time. Among these were Norway and Cuba. The tournament was also notable for its innovative format, which included a single-elimination knockout stage from the quarterfinals onwards.
List of qualified teams:
Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Dutch East Indies, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Hungary destroyed Sweden in one of the semi-finals 5–1, while Italy and Brazil had the first of their many important World Cup clashes in the other. The Brazilians were without their star player Leônidas, who was injured, and the Italians won 2–1. Brazil topped Sweden 4–2 for third place.
Rumour has it, before the finals Benito Mussolini was to have sent a telegram to the team, saying “Vincere o morire!” (literally translated as “Win or die!”). This should not have been meant as a literal threat, but instead just an encouragement to win. However, no record remains of such a telegram, and World Cup player Pietro Rava said, when interviewed, “No, no, no, that’s not true. He sent a telegram wishing us well, but no never ‘win or die’.”
The final itself took place at the Stade Olympique de Colombes in Paris. Vittorio Pozzo’s Italian side took the lead early, but Hungary equalized within two minutes. The Italians took the lead again shortly after, and by the end of the first half were leading the Hungarians 3–1. Hungary never really got back into the game. With the final score favoring the Italians 4–2, Italy became the first team to successfully defend the title and was once more crowned World Cup winners.
The victory was a source of great pride for Italy, which was embroiled in political turmoil at the time. Under the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, the Italian team was seen as a symbol of national unity and superiority. This was particularly evident in the tournament’s quarterfinals when Italy faced off against France in a highly charged atmosphere that saw fascist propaganda and insults directed at the French team and supporters.
Because of World War II, the World Cup would not be held for another 12 years, until 1950. As a result, Italy was the reigning World Cup holder for a record 16 years, from 1934 to 1950. The Italian Vice-president of FIFA, Dr. Ottorino Barassi, hid the trophy in a shoe box under his bed throughout the Second World War and thus saved it from falling into the hands of occupying troops.
Despite the controversies surrounding the tournament, the 1938 World Cup was a significant event in the history of football. It showcased some of the sport’s greatest players, including Italy’s Piola and Meazza, Hungary’s Gyula Zsengellér, and Brazil’s Leônidas da Silva.
Overall, the 1938 World Cup was a triumph for Italy, both on and off the pitch. It cemented the country’s status as one of the dominant footballing nations of the era and provided a rare moment of national pride amidst the turbulence of the times.