The World Cup used to have 13 teams in the very first tournament in 1930. It later grew to 16, then 24, then 32, and it will have 48 in 2026.

Quick history

  • 1930: 13 teams.
  • 1934–1978: mostly 16 teams, with 1938 having 15 because Austria withdrew.
  • 1982–1994: 24 teams.
  • 1998–2022: 32 teams.
  • 2026: 48 teams.

So, if you mean the “earlier” World Cup, the short answer is 13 teams at the start.