96 years ago, on July 13, 1930, the first FIFA World Cup in history kicked off in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. No one could have imagined that this modest tournament—with only 13 national teams—would become the greatest sporting event on Earth.

How Did the Idea Come About?

At the 1928 FIFA Congress, the international football governing body decided to organize a global tournament for national teams. Uruguay was chosen to host the first edition for two key reasons: first, it had won gold in football at the 1924 and 1928 Olympics; second, the country was celebrating its 100th anniversary of independence and promised to build a large stadium for the occasion.

Only 13 Teams!

The surprise? Only 13 countries participated. More were expected, but transatlantic travel was difficult and expensive at the time. Most European teams declined. Only four crossed the Atlantic: France, Belgium, Yugoslavia, and Romania.

South America sent seven teams: Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru. North America contributed two: the United States and Mexico.

The First Match and the First Goal

On July 13, 1930, the tournament began with two matches played simultaneously. The first pitted France against Mexico and ended 4–1 in favor of France. French forward Lucien Laurent scored the first-ever World Cup goal in the 19th minute. The second match saw the United States defeat Belgium 3–0.

Estadio Centenario

The newly built Estadio Centenario, with a capacity of 90,000, was intended to host all games. However, it wasn’t ready at the start, so the opening matches were played in smaller venues. The stadium was completed on the sixth day of the tournament and hosted the remaining games.

The Legendary Final

On July 30, 1930, Uruguay faced Argentina in the final. The stands were packed—93,000 spectators. Argentina took an early lead, but Uruguay equalized. In the second half, the hosts turned the game around and won 4–2 amid nationwide jubilation. Uruguay was crowned the first world champion, and the next day was declared a national holiday!

Unforgettable Numbers

  • First goal in World Cup history: Lucien Laurent (France)
  • Top scorer: Guillermo Stábile (Argentina) — 8 goals
  • First hat-trick in tournament history: Stábile, against Mexico
  • First penalty kick: awarded to Mexico vs. Argentina
  • First red card: Peru’s Plácido Galindo, vs. Romania

Why July 13 Is the Birthday of Global Football

Before 1930, football was confined to local leagues and the Olympics. The World Cup united the world around a single passion. From that first whistle on July 13, a journey began that has spanned decades and now draws billions of viewers across the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Uruguay chosen to host the first World Cup?
A: Because it had won back-to-back Olympic football golds (1924 and 1928) and was celebrating its centennial independence while promising to build a grand Olympic stadium.

Q: How many spectators attended the final?
A: About 93,000 in Estadio Centenario.

Q: Did Saudi Arabia or any Arab nation compete?
A: No Arab or Asian nation took part in the first tournament. Egypt became the first Arab entrant in 1934.

Q: How long did the tournament last?
A: From July 13 to July 30, 1930 — just 18 days.

Q: Was there a trophy awarded to the winner?
A: Yes, the “Victory” trophy — a solid gold statuette on a marble base. It was later renamed the “Jules Rimet Cup.”