Sports
When was the first FIFA World Cup held?
1930 AD
The first FIFA World Cup was played in Uruguay from 13 to 30 July 1930 AD.
1 BC · 1 AD
Context
What happened?
Thirteen teams took part: seven from South America, four from Europe and two from North America. There was no qualifying competition, because every FIFA member was simply invited, and the long sea crossing kept most European nations at home. Every match was played in Montevideo.
Significance
Why it matters
Uruguay beat Argentina 4–2 in the final on 30 July to become the first world champions, in a stadium built both for the tournament and for the centenary of the country’s first constitution. The competition has since grown into the most watched single-sport event on Earth.
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