Austria, one of the game’s powers at the time, had been taken over by Germany and didn’t play; Spain was at civil war and also missed out; holders Italy did play, but were in the grip of Fascist rule and firmly allied with Hitler’s Nazis.
FIFA awarded the staging to France, and this decision to have a second consecutive tournament in Europe resulted in Uruguay and Argentina both refusing to enter.
Hungary were in their magnificent prime, and hammered Sweden 5-1 to set up a final against the Italians, who just edged out Brazil 2-1.
Italy then became the first country to successfully defend the World Cup, when they beat Hungary 4-2 in Paris.
With the Second World War breaking out a year later, the World Cup wasn’t to be played again for 12 years. Legend has it that the trophy remained hidden in a shoe box under the bed of an Italian official for safe keeping throughout the war.
