The 1936 Olympic football tournament was won by Italy. They were the favourites to win, having won the FIFA World Cup in 1934. The host nation, Germany, were also one of the favourites at the start of the competition. They had only lost at home once in three years. However, they were beaten in the quarter-finals. The bronze- and gold-medal games were watched by a combined total of 195,000 people.
1 Due to a pitch invasion, the match was declared null and void. It was ordered to be replayed on August 10. Peru did not accept this decision and withdrew from the tournament.