THE LOWDOWN β THE FULL HISTORY
THE REFUSAL
The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, and most of Europe stayed away. It was too far: weeks away by sea.
THE VOYAGE
Only four European nations made the journey: France, Belgium, Romania and Yugoslavia. They spent two weeks crossing the Atlantic, with the Jules Rimet trophy sailing with them. Thirteen nations took part in all.
THE STORY
Why Europe nearly boycotted the first World Cup, and the stadium Uruguay raced to build to host it, are covered in EP02 of The World Cup Universe.
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THE TERRACES β DISCUSSION
The argument also lives in the YouTube comments β.