On May 18, 1929, the FIFA Congress met in Barcelona to officially select the host for a historic new tournament: the first-ever football World Cup. The idea had been championed by FIFA president Jules Rimet, but the question of who would host was contentious. Several European nations put their names forward, but a small South American country made an offer that was impossible to ignore. Uruguay, the reigning double Olympic football champion, promised to pay all travel and hotel costs for every participating team. They also pledged to build a magnificent new stadium for the event, timed to celebrate the centenary of the country's first constitution. Impressed by their ambition, FIFA awarded Uruguay the honor of hosting.
The First World Cup, 1930
The first FIFA World Cup in 1930 saw Uruguay chosen as host, a European boycott, and a dramatic final against Argentina won by the hosts 4-2.
Chapter 1
A Bold Proposition
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Uruguay chosen to host the first World Cup?
Uruguay was the reigning Olympic football champion and offered to pay all travel and accommodation costs for visiting teams. They also promised to build a new stadium for the tournament, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of their first constitution.
Why did so few European teams participate in the 1930 World Cup?
Many European nations declined the invitation due to the cost and time required for the two-week sea voyage to South America. The Great Depression made the expense prohibitive for most football associations, and it took personal persuasion from FIFA President Jules Rimet to convince just four European teams to attend.
What was the controversy over the ball in the 1930 World Cup final?
Both finalists, Uruguay and Argentina, insisted on using their own domestically produced football. The referee decided that Argentina's ball would be used in the first half and Uruguay's in the second. Argentina led 2-1 at halftime, but Uruguay scored three goals with their ball to win 4-2.
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