Name: The First World Cup Was Decided With Two Different Balls | The Boat (1930)
Uploaded: 2026-10-05
Description: The first World Cup trophy crossed the Atlantic in Jules Rimet's luggage. Thirteen teams entered. Only four from Europe would get on a boat.

The first World Cup trophy crossed the Atlantic in Jules Rimet's luggage. Thirteen teams entered. Only four from Europe would get on a boat.

THE LOWDOWN — THE FULL HISTORY

THE REFUSAL: Only four European teams sailed to the 1930 World Cup; Uruguay, twice Olympic champions, hosted and built the Centenario (opened five days after the start).

THE VOYAGE: Romania, France and Belgium crossed on the Conte Verde with Rimet, three referees and the trophy in his luggage; Yugoslavia sailed separately from Marseille; Brazil boarded at Rio.

THE FINAL: Uruguay v Argentina, 68,000. Two balls by compromise: Argentina's first half (2–1), Uruguay's second (4–2). The hosts became the first world champions.

THE GRUDGE: 1934, Uruguay refused to defend in Italy. Europe hadn't come to them; they wouldn't go to Europe.

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THE TERRACES — DISCUSSION

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