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First World Cup
Thirteen teams entered the first ever World Cup tournament in Uruguay. Due to the difficulties in travelling to South America, only four European teams chose to take part. -
Italy
For the first time teams had to qualify for their places at the World Cup. Thirty two nations entered the competition, with 16 teams reaching the finals. Future winners Italy, Germany and Spain all made their World Cup debuts. -
France
The World Cup was held in Europe for the second time in a row. This was a decision that caused controversy in South America and led to Uruguay and Argentina withdrawing from the finals. Indonesia, then known as the Dutch East Indies, became the first Asian team to qualify for the tournament. -
Brazil
After re-joining Fifa in 1946, the 1950 World Cup saw England playing in the finals for the first time. In the first tournament after the war, Japan and Germany were banned from the finals although defending champions Italy were allowed to return. -
Switzerland
Scotland reached their first World Cup finals in 1954. Also appearing for the first time was the newly formed West Germany. -
Sweden
For the first time the Soviet Union qualified for the World Cup finals. -
Chile
After two consecutive finals in Europe, the World Cup moved back to South America and to Chile.
After the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, many match venues were dropped by the organisers and many other stadiums needed repairs.