On 13 July 1930, in Montevideo, Uruguay, the first FIFA World Cup began, with France beating Mexico 4-1 in the first match, and Lucien Laurent scoring the first goal. Uruguay, the Olympic champion and celebrating the centenary of its independence, hosted 13 teams, of which only four came from Europe, after the long sea journey. Uruguay beat Argentina 4-2 in the final at the Estadio Centenario on 30 July. The World Cup has since been held every four years apart from during the Second World War, and its finals became the most watched event in the world, which was expanded to 32 teams in 1998 and to 48 in 2026.
Before and after
- 31 May 1930Birth of Clint Eastwood
- 6 June 1930Founding of International Federation of Film Critics
- 4 July 1930Origins of Nation of Islam
- 7 July 1930Death of Arthur Conan Doyle
- from 13 July 1930 to 30 July 1930The first FIFA World Cup is played in Uruguay
- 5 August 1930Birth of Neil Armstrong
- 25 August 1930Birth of Sean Connery
- 30 August 1930Birth of Warren Buffett
- 23 September 1930Birth of Ray Charles
More in Society, economy & sport
- from January 1918 to December 19201918–1920 flu pandemic
- 1919Founding of International Labour Organization
- 1920Origins of National Football League
- 7 September 1923Founding of Interpol
- 1928Introduction of Estonian kroon
- 5 September 1944Founding of Benelux
The era
This moment belongs to the Modern era (1914 CE to 1945 CE), world wars and a changing world. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.