Every FIFA World Cup Ranked From Worst To Best

20. France 1938

Pele Brazil
By Le Figaro (Le Figaro, 20 juin 1938) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Italy’s win at the 1938 World Cup will forever be marked by the stain of fascism.

Decked out in all black and remembered for starting each match with a fascist salute, manager Vittorio Pozzo made history as the only manager to ever win back-to-back World Cups but there was little else to celebrate.

The decision to host a second successive World Cup in Europe saw contenders Uruguay and Argentina boycott the tournament while Spain were unable to participate because of their civil war.

Pozzo earned praise for Italy's innovative 2-3-2-3 formation and stylish play, which produced 11 goals in just four matches for the Azzurri. The holders were nevertheless fortunate to win with favourites Brazil slipping up against Italy in the semi-finals, losing 2-1 after resting star striker Leônidas.

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Former Loaded magazine staff writer with additional credits for FourFourTwo, ScreenRant, Planet Football and Den of Geek. A man with an unhealthy interest in the film career of Hulk Hogan.