Italy

For the second world cup in a row the hosts lifted the trophy. It was Italy this time, who managed to beat Czechoslovakia in the final. On this occasion the world cup was a straight knock-out competition. The Romania national football team only played one game. It was a 2-1 loss to eventual runners-up Czechoslovakia, which ended their tournament.

France

In 1938 the world cup was held in France. Reigning champions Italy managed to once again emerge victorious as they beat Hungary 4-2 in the final. The Romania national football team managed to play two game this time around but they were both against the same team. Drawn against Cuba the team would have been confident of progressing to the second round. The first game ended 3-3 after extra-time, and this resulted in the need for a replay. This game ended in a 2-1 defeat, despite Romania taking the lead, and eliminated them from the tournament.

Mexico

Several factors contributed to the Romania national football team not appearing at a world cup again until 1970. War, not entering, and not qualifying left the side keen to make their mark in Mexico. The tournament was won by Brazil who defeated Italy 4-1 in the final. Romania found themselves in a tough group alongside the eventual winners, as well as reigning champions England. A 1-0 defeat to them was followed by a 2-1 win over Czechoslovakia which gave the side a chance. Against Brazil however it was not be, as they lost 3-2 to finish third in the group.

Italy

It was another 20 years before the Romania national football team returned again to the world cup. Held in Italy the world cup was won by West Germany. The tournament represented a step forward for the side as for the first time they made it past the first round stage. A 2-0 win over the Soviet Union was followed by a 2-1 loss to Cameroon. A 1-1 draw with Argentina in the final group game put them through in second place. They faced the Republic of Ireland in the last 16, and after 120 minutes the game remained 0-0. Romania cruelly missed out on the quarter-final as they lost 5-4 on penalties.

United States

The world cup in 1994 was held in the United States, and won by Brazil as they beat Italy in the final. The Romania national football team built on their success in 1990 and topped their group. Wins over Colombia and the United States sandwiched a 4-1 loss to Switzerland.

They faced Argentina again in the last 16, but this time managed to win. A 3-2 victory moved the side onto their first ever quarter-final. The run did not continue however against Sweden. Despite taking the lead in extra-time, the game ended 2-2 and went to penalties. As in 1990, the side lost 5-4 and were on their way home.

France

France held the world cup in 1998, and it was the hosts who went on to win their first world cup. In their final world cup appearance to date, the Romania national football team put in a strong group performance. Back to back wins against Colombia and England were followed by a 1-1 draw with Tunisia to put the side top of the group. In the last 16 the side came unstuck against Croatia. A 1-0 loss eliminated the side from the competition.

Russia

The Romania national football team have been drawn in Group E alongside Denmark, Poland, Montenegro, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.