The 1938 FIFA World Cup occupies a singular place in the history of sport. It was the third edition of the World Cup organised by FIFA and, unknowingly, the last before the outbreak of the Second World War interrupted the tournament for twelve years. Held in France between 4 and 19 June 1938, this championship not only produced great sporting moments, but also reflected the political, social and cultural tensions running through Europe during one of the most turbulent periods of the 20th century.
Unlike other World Cups remembered mainly for their footballing achievements, the 1938 tournament was marked by the historical context in which it took place. While national teams competed for glory, the continent stood on the brink of a conflict that would change the world forever.
A World Cup in Uncertain Times
The decision to award the tournament to France generated strong controversy. After the editions held in Uruguay and Italy, many expected the competition to return to the Americas. Several South American federations, in particular, believed that an alternation between continents should be respected.
France’s selection angered many football associations in South America. As a result, major footballing powers such as Argentina and Uruguay decided not to participate as a form of protest. Their absence had an important impact on the competitive level of the championship and reduced South American representation.
At the same time, Europe was experiencing growing political instability. Totalitarian movements were gaining strength, and international tensions were increasing year after year. In March 1938, just a few months before the start of the World Cup, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany in an event known as the Anschluss. This had direct consequences for the tournament.
The Disappearance of Austria from the Tournament
Official poster for the 1938 FIFA World Cup and two promotional posters.
Austria had qualified for the World Cup and had one of the most prestigious national teams of the period. The so-called Austrian “Wunderteam” had amazed the world during the 1930s with its technical and attacking style.
However, after the German annexation, the Austrian national team was dissolved and its players were pressured to join the German side. As a result, Austria disappeared from the competition before it even began.
This episode dramatically symbolised how closely politics and sport were linked during those years. Many historians believe that Austria’s absence deprived the tournament of one of its most talented teams.
Brazil Emerges as a World Power
One of the great attractions of the tournament was the participation of Brazil, the only national team from the American continent to take part, and one that was beginning to establish itself as a footballing power.
Its standout figure was Leônidas da Silva, a spectacular forward known as “The Black Diamond”. His technical ability, goalscoring instinct and creativity made him one of the great stars of the championship.
Leônidas finished as the World Cup’s top scorer with seven goals and produced memorable performances that helped popularise Brazilian football on the international stage.
Many specialists consider him one of the first global footballers, capable of fascinating fans from different continents thanks to his style of play.
The Most Notable Matches
The championship offered thrilling encounters from the very first round. One of the most remembered was the clash between Brazil and Poland.
The match ended in a spectacular 6–5 victory for Brazil after extra time. It was one of the most exciting games in the early history of the World Cup and revealed the enormous attacking potential of the South American side.
The Stars of the World Cup
Although Italy lifted the trophy, the tournament left behind several figures to remember.
Brazil’s Leônidas da Silva was probably the brightest player of the championship. His goals and imaginative style captivated the public and consolidated Brazil’s international reputation.
For Italy, players such as Giuseppe Meazza stood out. Considered one of the finest European footballers of his generation, his leadership and talent were fundamental to the success of the champion side.
Several Hungarian players also shone, as their national team left a very positive impression thanks to its technical quality and attacking ability.
The Last World Cup Before the Silence
With the passing of time, the 1938 World Cup acquired a meaning that goes far beyond sporting results.
Barely fifteen months after the final, Europe was plunged into the Second World War. The scale of the conflict forced the cancellation of the editions planned for 1942 and 1946.
For more than a decade, the World Cup disappeared from the international calendar. It would not be held again until 1950, when Brazil hosted a tournament intended to symbolise the recovery of world football after the war.
For this reason, the 1938 edition is often remembered as the last great international sporting event of a Europe that was about to change forever.
The Legacy of France 1938
The 1938 World Cup represents a fascinating mixture of sport and history. It was a championship that showed the tactical evolution of football, confirmed Italy’s strength, boosted Brazil’s international prestige and produced individual performances that are still remembered by sports historians.
But above all, it was a reflection of its time. The absences caused by political conflicts, the disappearance of Austria after the Anschluss and the growing international tension turned the tournament into something more than a sporting competition.
Today, more than eight decades later, the 1938 World Cup in France remains a privileged window through which to understand how football and history can intertwine. It was the farewell to an era, the last championship before war transformed the world, and proof that even in the most uncertain moments, sport can leave indelible marks on collective memory.
The Ball of the Tournament…
All the matches were played with a French-made ball produced by the Parisian brand ALLEN, which collaborated with the French Football Federation — the F.F.F.
In almost every publication on the subject, you will see that the ball had 13 panels, a variation of the 12-panel ball, with an additional panel reinforcing the area of the lace-up closure.
There are publications showing balls with five or six eyelets and a lace-up closure made with cotton cord, rather than a leather strip.
This detail regarding the cotton cord seems unquestionable, given that very few players played with head protection to avoid cuts, and no matches were played in rain or on muddy pitches.
However, after reviewing all the matches and publications related to this World Cup, I can state that there was also an 18-panel ALLEN ball.
Although you may see photographs of balls in the centre circle with the ALLEN name painted in white, that screen print was used to highlight the Parisian brand.