In 1954, the World Championship returned to South America, this time held in Brazil. Originally scheduled to be held in São Paulo to celebrate the city's 400th anniversary, the tournament was moved to Rio de Janeiro's Maracanãzinho stadium after the la Palais des Sports in São Paulo was damaged in a storm. Once again, the majority of teams (seven of twelve) were from the Americas, though defending champion Argentina did not participate for political reasons. Europe was represented by France, Israel, and Yugoslavia. Although each of the three European teams had made improvements, finishing in the top six at EuroBasket 1953, the strongest teams from the Eastern Bloc all refused to participate for the second straight tournament. Israel's appearance in the tournament caused Egypt to withdraw in protest; they were not replaced in the draw. Asia made its first appearance in the tournament, represented by Formosa (Taiwan) and the Philippines. The Philippines impressed in the tournament, finishing with a bronze medal, still the highest finish for any Asian team in the tournament. The United States took the tournament more seriously this time, sending three-time AAU champions Peoria Caterpillars. The Americans cruised to an undefeated 9–0 record, winning each game by an average of more than 25 points, including a 21-point victory over previously unbeaten Brazil in the final. Once again, attendance was impressive for the final, as a still-standing record 35,000 watched the final at Maracanãzinho.