Twelve teams (a record high at the time) took part for the first time, expanded for a second year running, from ten in 1998. This championship also saw an African nation participate for the first time (and only time pre-2005) making this the single pre-FIFA era world cup with the most continental representation, with all but Oceania represented by at least one nation competing in Rio.
Brazil won their fifth title in a row by beating Portugal 5–2 in what was the Iberians' first final appearance.
Organisation
The number of teams competing this year was increased to twelve meaning a shift in organisation from previous years.
The twelve nations were split into four groups of three who played each other in a round robin format. The top two teams then progressed to the quarter-finals. With the increase in nations in this edition, this saw a quarter final stage introduced to the Championships for the first time. From the aforementioned round onward, the championship was played as a knock-out tournament until a winner was crowned, with an additional match to determine third place.
Teams
Africa was represented for the first time (and only time before FIFA took control of the world cup). Asia had two nations competing for the first time.
Oceania was unrepresented, the only continent to be so.