Qatar 2022 may have been dogged by controversy, politics and off-field drama. But it is nothing compared to the first World Cup ever held.
Uruguay, a nation of two million people, was chosen for the game’s showpiece back in 1930 – despite strong competition from nations more accustomed to hosting major sporting events.
The tournament was the brainchild of French businessman and grocer’s son Jules Rimet. Elected to the FIFA presidency in 1921, he was inspired by the success of Olympic football tournaments to create a separate, independent world championship.
