CHAMPION: Italy
RUNNER-UP: Hungary
GOLDEN SHOE: Leonidas (BRA)
TEAMS: 15
TOTAL MATCHES: 18
GOALS SCORED: 84 (4.7 per match)
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE: 20,888
SUPRISES: Sweden (fourth place)
FORMAT: Preliminary round followed by single-elimination knockout stage
1938 – The World Cup remained in Europe in 1938, this time moving over to France. The reigning champions Italy successfully defended their title as the threat of war loomed across Europe, causing many prominent teams not to participate.
Italy defeated a strong Hungary side in the final 4-2, and Cuba became the first team from outside of Europe or South America to advance to the second stage of the tournament. A strong Spanish side was ruled out due to civil war back at home.
The most successful team in World Cup history, Brazil traveled to its first-ever finals in 1938 and put on quite a show. Led by tournament top scorer Leonidas, the Samba kings made it all the way to the semifinals before being ousted in a dour match against the eventual champions Italy.
The 1938 World Cup was also the coming out party for the wonderful team from Hungary. The Magyars routed Sweden in the semifinal but could not overcome the Azzurri in the final match. Had war not broken out, the 1942 tournament may have been theirs for the taking.
