France World Cup Poster

Official FIFA World Cup poster, France 1938. Courtesy of the Priory Collection.

18 months before the Second World War the World Cup was held in France. The reigning champions - Mussolini's Italy - were followed around by the anti-fascists of France booing and jeering them at every turn on and off the pitch.

When France met Italy later on in the competition Italy ditched there traditional Azure coloured tops for Black shirts. They gave the fascist salute once more and went on to win the tournament.