Thirty-two nations entered the competition and eventually after qualification, 16 teams participated.
The biggest blow, however, was reigning champions Uruguay refusing to participate in protest as just four European teams had accepted their invitation to the 1930 tournament. In their absence, Italy became the second World Cup champions and the first European team to win the title beating Czechoslovakia 2—1 in the final. Surprise first-round casualties included Argentina, Brazil, The Netherlands and France.
The tournament was also marred by corruption and considerable outside interference by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, who used the tournament for the propaganda of fascism. After investigations it was learnt that Mussolini personally selected referees for the matches in which Italian national team were playing. However, nothing could be proved.
