Once upon a time, Uruguay were one of the dominant nations in the FIFA World Cup. Winners of the first tournament in 1930, the South Americans joined Italy, who triumphed in 1934 and 1938, as two-time champions in 1950. That came before Brazil won the first of its five World Cups, and before multiple winners Germany and Argentina got off the mark.

Uruguay haven’t lifted the trophy in the 76 years since, although their two victories leave them level with modern-day powerhouse France and ahead of England and Spain.

Why does Uruguay have four stars?

With the exception of Uruguay, all of the countries mentioned above have one star above the crest on their jersey to commemorate each World Cup victory. Brazil have five, Argentina three, and so on. Why, then, do Uruguay have four?

Generally, national teams can commemorate victories in different competitions with stars as they please. However, at the World Cup, only victories in that tournament can be represented with stars on the jersey.

Recently, it was highlighted that Egypt’s jersey for this summer’s tournament could not feature its usual seven stars, one for each of its Africa Cup of Nations titles.

But if that’s the case, how are Uruguay permitted to have four stars above their crest?

The Olympic titles that count as world championships

Two of Uruguay’s stars represent their World Cup victories in 1930 and 1950. The other two commemorate the gold medals won by the men’s soccer team at the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games.

Those Olympic soccer tournaments were organized by FIFA, which viewed them as the sport’s first world championship, essentially a predecessor to the World Cup as we know it. As a result, Uruguay’s two Olympic titles from the 1920s are considered equivalent to their two World Cup triumphs, which is why they are allowed to wear the two additional stars.

The success and popularity of the Olympic soccer tournament were instrumental in the creation of the World Cup, with FIFA taking its world championship out of the Olympics from 1930 onward.

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