1938 FIFA World Cup

Format and participants

The tournament used a single-elimination bracket: teams that drew were sometimes required to play a replay to determine a winner. Sixteen entrants included a mix of European sides and teams from the Americas. Political developments in the late 1930s affected entries and squad composition; some qualified teams withdrew or were reshaped by events of the time.

Notable matches and the final

The final saw Italy prevail over Hungary in a match that produced several goals and confirmed Italy's dominance of the era. Earlier rounds produced upsets and dramatic replays typical of knockout competition. Individual players and national teams earned lasting recognition for their performances during the tournament.

Key points:

• Host nation: France.
• Champion: Italy (second consecutive title).
• Runner-up: Hungary.

Because the tournament occurred shortly before the outbreak of World War II, it was the last World Cup held until 1950. The 1938 edition is often remembered for its competitive matches and for the way international sport intersected with the politics of the period.

The event left several notable legacies: the confirmation of Italy as a pre-war football power, an example of early intercontinental travel for teams, and the interruption of global competition by war. For more detailed records and match statistics consult specialized football archives and histories.