The 1966 FIFA World Cup was far more than just a football tournament. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we explore England 1966 as both a sporting milestone and a cultural moment, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 1960s Britain.

Hosted across England and culminating at Wembley Stadium, the tournament featured 16 teams, 32 matches, and 89 goals. England lifted their first — and still only — World Cup under Alf Ramsey, but the story of 1966 goes far beyond the final.

We examine the African boycott, sparked by FIFA’s refusal to guarantee Africa a place at the finals, highlighting the growing political tensions within world football. We also revisit the frustrations of Pelé, who was repeatedly fouled and left injured, symbolising the physical and often brutal nature of the tournament.

The episode dives into the controversial refereeing decisions involving South American sides, particularly Argentina’s explosive quarter-final defeat to England, which left lasting resentment and accusations of European bias. Off the pitch, we relive one of the World Cup’s most surreal stories — Pickles the dog, who famously found the stolen Jules Rimet Trophy in a London garden.

Set against the sound of The Beatles, miniskirts, and a nation in cultural flux, 1966 captured the spirit of the Swinging Sixties while delivering one of football’s most debated finals, sealed by Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick.

A World Cup of glory, grievance, and lasting legacy.

Keywords: 1966 World Cup, England 1966, African boycott, Pelé World Cup, Pickles the dog, World Cup controversy, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind

Hashtags: #WorldCup1966 #England1966 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #Pelé #PicklesTheDog #FIFAHistory #ClassicFootball #1960sFootball #FootballPodcast