When was the first FIFA World Cup held?

FIFA president Jules Rimet championed the idea of a global football tournament separate from the Olympics. Uruguay, the reigning Olympic champion and celebrating 100 years of its first constitution, was chosen as host. Only 13 teams took part, including just four from Europe, because the long sea voyage to South America deterred many nations. French player Lucien Laurent scored the first World Cup goal, and Uruguay lifted the trophy on 30 July 1930. The tournament has been held every four years since, except in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II, and the 2026 edition was the first with 48 teams.