Having secured a host nation , FIFA would still dedicate some time to persuading countries to send their national teams to compete . Italy was of particular interest as the long-standing defending champions , having won the two previous tournaments in 1934 and 1938 ; however , Italy 's national team was weakened severely as most of its starting line-up perished in the Superga air disaster one year before the start of the tournament . The Italians were eventually persuaded to attend , but travelled by boat rather than by plane
Superga air disaster
Superga air disaster
1950 FIFA World Cup