Uruguay Wins First World Cup: Football's Crowning Moment
Uruguay hosted and won the first FIFA World Cup on July 30, 1930, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final at the purpose-built Estadio Centenario in Montevideo before 93,000 fans. The tournament was a modest affair: only thirteen teams competed because most European nations declined the two-week ocean voyage. The host nation was celebrating its centennial of independence and funded the tournament entirely, even paying travel expenses for participating teams. In the final, Argentina led 2-1 at halftime before Uruguay scored three second-half goals to claim the trophy. Argentine fans threw stones at the Uruguayan consulate in Buenos Aires. The quadrennial tournament now draws over 3.5 billion cumulative television viewers.
July 30, 1930
96 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Uruguay
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Montevideo
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Football World Cup
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first FIFA World Cup
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Uruguay
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Montevideo
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Uruguay national football team
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1930 FIFA World Cup
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1930 FIFA World Cup final
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Argentina
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Association football
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Uruguay
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