The United States had its best performance in the first World Cup; it's only gone downhill from there.
In 1930, the teams were split into four groups, with the winners going on to the semi-finals.
Few European teams attended in 1930, as travel to Uruguay was difficult.
In return, Uruguay refused participation in the 1934 Cup held in Italy out of protest.
Austria withdrew in'38 as a result of Nazi Germany's annexation of the country.
Germany and Japan were banned during the 1950 games.
A unique format was used in the 1954 Cup; hence, there were no quarterfinals.

a brief history of the World Cup