How did the idea of organising the first World Cup in 1930 come about?

A few days before the start of the 23rd FIFA World Cup, an event that transcends being merely a football competition to become a global, cross-cultural phenomenon, the story goes back to a time when the idea was nothing more than an ambition slowly taking shape within the corridors of the sport.

FIFA was founded

In 1904, with the founding of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) in Paris, the aim was to organise football internationally, without a clear vision of an independent world championship. However, the remarkable success of football competitions at the Olympic Games, and the growing popularity of the sport, prompted thoughts of a broader framework that would bring the world’s national teams together under one umbrella.

But this ambition clashed with the calculations of the International Olympic Committee, which regarded Olympic football as the most important tournament and was wary of any project that might detract from its status. Amidst this tug-of-war, the idea remained on hold until it found someone who would champion it with determination.

It was here that the name of Jules Rimet emerged, the man who turned the dream into a reality. Since taking the helm at FIFA, he had made the establishment of a world championship his top priority, and he continued to push for it until he succeeded in securing historic approval on 25 May 1928, heralding the birth of a competition that would redraw the map of football.

When the bidding process opened, Uruguay put itself forward to host the first edition, drawing on its footballing dominance at the time and its two Olympic gold medals, as well as its centenary celebrations of independence. It also offered to cover the costs of hosting the teams, a decisive move that encouraged the tournament to be held in South America, despite the hesitation of many European teams.

World Cup first addition

In the summer of 1930, the first edition kicked off with just 13 teams taking part, a figure that will rise to 48 teams in 2026.

The 1930 tournament had no qualifying rounds and reflected the nature of a different era. European teams made their way across the ocean by ship, whilst prominent footballing powers were absent from the scene, at a time when football was still searching for its global identity.

At the Centenario Stadium, the first chapters of glory were written, not only with Uruguay’s victory over Argentina to claim the title, but also through moments of humanity and unique details, including the first goal in the tournament’s history scored by France’s Lucien Laurent, right through to the curiosities of a final that saw two different balls used — one for each half — after each team insisted on its own choice.

Since then, the FIFA World Cup has evolved from a fledgling tournament into the biggest sporting event on Earth, weathering wars and crises — including its suspension during the Second World War — before returning stronger and more widespread than ever.

Today, nearly a century after its inception, the tournament stands on the threshold of a new era, with its expansion now a reality, continuing to serve as a mirror reflecting the evolution of football and a universal language that unites people under the banner of a shared passion.

Featured image via the Canary