Montevideo, Birthplace of the World Cup, is Still the Most Underrated Soccer City
Montevideo, the birthplace of the World Cup, is often overlooked despite its rich soccer culture. The city has a deep-rooted football tradition, with a significant number of clubs and a passionate fanbase. As Uruguay prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its history and unique spirit continue to shape its identity in the soccer world.
- ▪Uruguay has won two World Cups and 15 Copa Américas titles.
- ▪Montevideo is home to 13 of the national league's 16 first-division clubs.
- ▪The Estadio Centenario is the only stadium designated as a Historical Monument of World Football by FIFA.
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InspirationMontevideo, Birthplace of the World Cup, is Still the Most Underrated Soccer CityA guide to understanding—and experiencing—football culture in Uruguay, the original World Cup underdog.By Paul JebaraMay 26, 2026GettySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this storyThis story is the first in a series celebrating soccer cultures around the world—and the communities shaped by them. Read more 2026 World Cup coverage here.On July 18, 1930, a 38-year-old public-works director named Juan Antonio Scasso stood inside the still-wet Estadio Centenario while his crew dried the floors with braziers.
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