Italy became the first team to win the FIFA World Cup on foreign soil, successfully defending its title in the last final before World War II.
Key Facts
- Final score
- Italy 4–2 Hungary
- Date
- 19 June 1938
- Venue
- Stade Olympique de Colombes
- Italy coach
- Vittorio Pozzo
- Halftime score
- Italy 3–1 Hungary
- Last survivor died
- Pietro Rava, 5 November 2006, age 90
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Italy, the reigning World Cup champions from 1934, and Hungary qualified through the 1938 FIFA World Cup tournament held in France. Both nations advanced through the knockout rounds to contest the championship match, with Italy seeking to become the first team to defend the title on foreign soil.
On 19 June 1938, Italy faced Hungary in the final at the Stade Olympique de Colombes. Italy took an early lead, Hungary equalized within two minutes, but Italy quickly regained control. By halftime Italy led 3–1, and the match concluded 4–2 in Italy's favor, with Vittorio Pozzo marshaling the winning side.
Italy's victory made it the first nation to win the World Cup outside its home country, cementing back-to-back titles in 1934 and 1938. The tournament was the last World Cup held before World War II; the next edition did not take place until 1950, a twelve-year gap caused by the conflict.
Result
at Stade Olympique de Colombes, Colombes, France