FIFA World Cup competitions, which Germany and Brazil sought to host, were cancelled due to World War II and its aftermath. The 1950 World Cup, held in Brazil, was the first to include British participants. British teams withdrew from FIFA in 1920, partly out of unwillingness to play against the countries they had been at war with, and partly as a protest against foreign influence on football, but rejoined in 1946 following FIFA's invitation. The tournament also saw the return of 1930 champions Uruguay, who had boycotted the previous two World Cups. Uruguay won the tournament again after defeating the host nation Brazil,
1970 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) The European (UEFA) zone of qualification for the 1970 FIFA World Cup saw 29 teams competing for eight places at the finals. UEFA members England qualified automatically as the defending champions. The qualification process started on 19 May 1968 and ended on 7 December 1969. FIFA rejected the entry of Albania, and both Malta and Iceland withdrew before the draw was made. The remaining 29 teams were drawn into eight groups, five groups of four teams and three of three teams. All eight group-winners qualified automatically. Romania qualified. Czechoslovakia and Hungary finished level on