Just as Mussolini had in Italy, Hitler had used the 1936 Olympics as a weapon of propaganda.

So, to avoid any further political chicanery FIFA chose a 'neutral' venue, the federation's birthplace, France. But, as before, there were some high profile absentees.

Argentina, who had expected to be the host as part of alternation between South America and Europe, refused to travel. Uruguay were still staying away, leaving Brazil as Latin America's sole representative.
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