Uruguay have 4 stars on their badge because they count 4 world titles: the 1924 and 1928 Olympic football tournaments, plus the 1930 and 1950 World Cups. The key point is that FIFA and Uruguay treat the 1924 and 1928 Olympic wins as world championships in football, so they’re included in the star count.

Why the stars matter

In football, stars above a crest usually mark major world titles. Uruguay’s case is unusual because it includes two Olympic victories from before the modern World Cup era, not just the two World Cups they officially won.

The short version

  • 1924 Olympic gold
  • 1928 Olympic gold
  • 1930 World Cup
  • 1950 World Cup

That is why you see 4 stars rather than 2.

Extra context

This has been a talking point again around the 2026 World Cup, because Uruguay’s badge is one of the most distinctive in international football. FIFA has also been reported as allowing Uruguay to keep those four stars on the crest.

TL;DR: Uruguay’s 4 stars represent 4 recognized world championships, not just 4 World Cups.