Champions: Italy

This was the last time the straight knockout format was used in a World Cup. Besides, in protest for the decision of playing the tournament in Europe for a second consecutive time, Uruguay and Argentina decided not to participate. On the other side of the ocean, Spain was in civil war, while Austria even though qualified for the tournament, had to withdraw due to its annexation into Nazi Germany. Some of its players even joined the German team. During this edition, the automatic classification of both title holders as well as the host country, was established.