Which country was the first to successfully defend the World Cup? Italy was the first country to successfully defend the World Cup.
Italy won its first title as host in 1934, defeating Czechoslovakia 2–1 after extra time in the final. Four years later, at the 1938 tournament in France, Italy reached the final again and defeated Hungary 4–2 at the Stade Olympique de Colombes.
The 1938 final was closely contested early. Hungary equalised after Italy’s opening goal, but Italy regained the lead and went into half-time ahead 3–1. Gino Colaussi scored twice for Italy, while Silvio Piola also scored twice. Hungary’s goals came from Pál Titkos and György Sárosi.
Italy’s back-to-back victories were achieved under coach Vittorio Pozzo, making those teams the only men’s national side to win multiple World Cups under the same coach. The achievement became even more unusual because World War II forced the cancellation of the 1942 and 1946 tournaments. As a result, Italy remained the reigning champion for 16 years, until the World Cup returned in 1950.