THE LAST CUP BEFORE THE STORM: 1938 fifA WORLD CUP

INTRODUCTION

The 1938 FIFA World Cup marked a pivotal moment in football history - a tournament held in the shadows of rising global tension, yet bursting with unforgettable drama on the pitch. Hosted by France, it was the third edition of the competition and the last before World War II would bring the beautiful game to a halt. For the first time, the World Cup welcomed automatic qualification for the host and reigning champions, and also witnessed a major shift as the tournament remained in Europe, sparking controversy among South American nations. Amid political unrest and passionate crowds, the world's best footballing nations clashed in a spectacle that blended sport with the uncertainty of its time.

ASIA NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN SOUTH AMERICA EUROPE
Dutch East Indies (debut) Cuba (debut) Brazil Belgium
Czechoslovakia
France (host)
Germany
Hungary
Italy (1934 Champions)
Netherlands
Norway (debut)
Poland (debut)
Romania
Sweden
Switzerland

first round (round of 16) highlights

BRAZIL VS. POLAND (6-5 AET)
  • one of the wildest World Cup games ever.
  • Brazil's Leonidas da Silva scored 4 goals, even playing part of the match barefoot due to muddy conditions.
  • Poland's Ernest Willimowski scored 4 goalstoo, but Brazil edged it in extra time

CUBA VS. ROMANIA (3-3, THEN 2-1 IN REPLAY)
  • the first match ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
  • in the replay, Cuba shocked Romania with a 2-1 win, becoming the first Caribbean team to win a World Cup match.

GERMANY VS. SWITZERLAND (1-1, THEN 2-4 IN REPLAY)
  • Germany fielded a mixed squad after the annexation of Austria
  • Switzerland stunned Germany in the replay, knocking them out in one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

quarterfinal highlights

BRAZIL VS CZECHOSLOVAKIA (1-1, THEN 2-1 IN REPLAY)
  • A brutal, violent affair, known as the "Battle of Bordeaux
  • Multiple players were sent off and injured, both teams barely fielded full squads in the replay.
  • Brazil advanced after grinding out a 2-1 win.

SWEDEN VS CUBA (8-0)
  • Biggest win of the tournament.
  • Sweden, fresh from a bye due to Austria's withdrawal, dismantled Cuba with ease.

semifinal highlights

ITALY VS. BRAZIL (2-1)
  • Brazil controversially rested Leonidas, their star striker.
  • Italy took advantage, scoring twice before Brazil responded with a late penalty.
  • Brazil's decision to rest Leonidas remains one of football's biggest "what-ifs"

HUNGARY VS. SWEDEN (5-1)
  • Hungary dominated with a display of tactical brilliance and finishing.
  • Gyula Zsengeller and Gyorgy Sarosi starred in the win, sending Hungary to the final.

THE FINAL: ITALY VS. HUNGARY (4-2)

 

DATE: June 19, 1938

LOCATION: Stade Olympique de Colombes, Paris

ATTENDANCE: ~45,000

In a clash of titans, Italy and Hungary met in the final under stormy skies and the looming shadow of war. Italy struck early and never let up, displaying a blend of power, precision, and tactical discipline. Hungary fought valiantly, leveling once and pressing forward with their elegant style of play, but the Italian side - led by coach Vittorio Pozzo - was relentless.

With goals from Gino Colaussi and Silvio Piola, Italy seized control and held off Hungary's attack. The Italians became the first team to defend a World Cup title, cementing their legacy as one of football's early dynasties.

More than just a match, this final was a symbolic end to an era - the last World Cup before World War II silenced the world stage for 12 years.

TOP GOAL SCORER

leonidas da silva: the black diamond of 1938

In the mud-soaked fields of France, one man dazzled the world - Leonidas da Silva, Brazil's electrifying forward. Nicknamed the "Black Diamond" he lit up the 1938 World Cup with his speed, flair, and fearless creativity. Scoring 7 goals in just 4 matches, Leonidas became the tournament's top scorer and a fan favorite. He even played part of a match barefoot, a moment that became the stuff of legend. Though Brazil fell short, Leonidas left a mark that made him one of the earliest global superstar of the beautiful game.

tournament details/statistics

HOST COUNTRY: France 

DATES: June 4 to June 19

TEAMS: 15 countries (from 4 confederations)

VENUES: 10 (in 9 host cities)

MATCHES PLAYED: 18

GOALS SCORED: 84 (4.67 per match)

ATTENDANCE: 374,835 (20,824  per match)