The first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930 in Uruguay.
The tournament was won by the host nation, Uruguay, who defeated Argentina in the final. 13 nations took part. 9 were from North America and South America. None from Asia and Africa took part. It was held in Uruguay after nations from far away refused to host the tournament. His inaugural World Cup tournament marked the beginning of what has become one of the most widely viewed and celebrated sporting events in the world.
Very few European countries took part due to the long and expensive journey by ship across the Atlantic Ocean and the need for long holidays for players. Some refused to travel to the United States under any circumstances.
In an attempt to secure the participation of some Europeans, Uruguay sent an invitation to the Football Association, and at the same time, the British Home Nations resigned from FIFA.
For two months after the tournament began, most European teams did not enter.
Then the last FIFA president Jules Rimet intervened and four European teams traveled by sea: Belgium, France, Yugoslavia, and Romania. The Belgians participated under the supervision of German-Belgian FIFA vice-president Rodolphe Sledyras.
