1938 FIFA World Cup — France.
Updated June 20, 2026 · DynastyDaily Editorial · ● Live Last updated: 2026-06-21T02:18:50Z
Direct answer
The 1938 FIFA World Cup was hosted by France (4–19 June 1938) with 15 teams. Champion: Italy. The final was Italy 4–2 Hungary at Stade Olympique de Colombes, Paris. Top scorer: Leônidas (7).
The story of 1938
Italy became the first team to retain the trophy, again under Vittorio Pozzo — still the only manager to win two World Cups. Brazil's Leônidas, the "Black Diamond", was the tournament's star and top scorer. The last World Cup before World War II forced a 12-year gap; the Jules Rimet trophy spent the war hidden in a shoebox under an Italian official's bed.
Edition facts
| Host | France |
| Dates | 4–19 June 1938 |
| Teams | 15 |
| Format | Straight knockout |
| Champion | Italy |
| Runner-up | Hungary |
| Final | Italy 4–2 Hungary |
| Final venue | Stade Olympique de Colombes, Paris |
| Third place | Brazil |
| Top scorer | Leônidas (7) |
| Best player (Golden Ball) | Leônidas |
| Official mascot | — |
| Official ball | Allen |
| Total attendance | 375,700 |
| Total goals | 84 |
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