The First World Cup

English language level: B1

In 1930 FIFA introduced a new tournament, open to all member countries. This ‘football olympics’ was named after FIFA President, Jules Rimet. It would take place every four years.

The tournament was open invitation with no qualifying games. The cost and distance discouraged many countries from taking part. In the end, thirteen countries entered. Four nations made the long sea voyage from Europe.

Before Watching/ Listening – prediction activity

Which two of these statements do you think are false? 

1. The European teams travelled to the tournament by train
2. France scored the first goal of the tournament
3. The King of Romania was his country’s manager
4. A referee had to call the players back from the dressing rooms.
5. Three footballs were used in the first World Cup Final.

How the World Cup Began – Presentation

Reading Download & complete this worksheet

Worksheet Answers

Vocabulary Worksheet – First World Final – Eyewitness

• What happened to the Titanic?
• The Lion & the Mouse
• The Lost Trousers
• Man-Sized-in-Marble by E Nesbit
• There goes the Bridegroom!