The 1930 FIFA World Cup, the first in football history, took place in Uruguay from July 13 to 30. The tournament featured 13 teams, with Uruguay emerging victorious after defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final match. The first edition of the World Cup saw immediately a very high number of goals scored.

Celebrating 120 years of FIFA™

Rare

FIFA World Cup Uruguay 1930™ 3.88 goals scored per match

Uruguay 1930

The 1934 FIFA World Cup in Italy was the second edition of the tournament and the first to include a qualification phase. Italy, the host nation, emerged victorious by defeating Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the final held in Rome. This World Cup remains the third with the highest goal average in history.

120 years of FIFA: epic reward

Epic

FIFA World Cup Italy 1934™ 4.12 goals scored per match

Italy 1934

The 1938 FIFA World Cup in France was the third edition of the tournament and saw Italy retain their title by defeating Hungary 4-2 in the final. It also featured the first appearance of Brazil, who showcased their emerging talent on the global stage. It is the second edition of the World Cup with the highest average number of goals scored.

FIFA World Cup France 1938™ 4.67 goals scored per match

France 1938

The 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is famously remembered for the  Maracanazo, where Uruguay stunned the host nation with a 2-1 victory in the final match at the Maracan Stadium. The tournament highlighted the unpredictability and drama of football, and stood out for an exceptionally high average of 4 goals per game.

120 years of FIFA: rare reward

FIFA World Cup Brazil 1950™ 4.00 goals scored per match

Brazil 1950

The 1954 FIFA World Cup, held in Switzerland, saw West Germany emerge as the champion for the first time. Known for the “Miracle of Bern,” the final match featured a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over the heavily favored Hungary. This tournament was also notable for the high number of goals scored, setting a record that stood for many years.

FIFA World Cup Switzerland 1954™ 5.38 goals scored per match

Switzerland 1954

The 1966 FIFA World Cup, hosted by England, saw the host nation win their first and only title. England defeated West Germany 4-2 in a dramatic final at Wembley Stadium, with Geoff Hurst scoring a historic hat-trick. This tournament is also remembered for the controversial “Wembley Goal” and the emergence of Eusébio as a star.

Common

FIFA World Cup England 1966™ 2.78 goals scored per match

England 1966

The 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany introduced the new format of group stages and was marked by the dominance of “Total Football” played by the Netherlands. However, West Germany triumphed, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 in the final, with goals from Paul Breitner and Gerd Müller. The tournament also saw the emergence of Johan Cruyff as a global football icon. 

FIFA World Cup Germany 1974™ 2.55 goals scored per match

Germany 1974

The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States was notable for its record attendance and exciting matches. Brazil secured their fourth title by defeating Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the final, held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

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