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

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1962 World Cup Explained | Brazil, Garrincha & the Battle of Santiago

The 1962 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Chile, is remembered as one of the most dramatic and controversial tournaments in football history. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit Chile 1962 — a competition defined by violence, brilliance, and the emergence of Garrincha as a World Cup icon.

Played just two years after a devastating earthquake, the tournament featured 16 teams and produced 89 goals in 32 matches, averaging 2.78 goals per game. We explore how Brazil defended their title despite losing Pelé to injury early in the competition, with Garrincha delivering one of the greatest individual World Cup performances of all time.

We break down iconic moments including the infamous Battle of Santiago between Chile and Italy, classic knockout matches, and Brazil’s 3–1 victory over Czechoslovakia in the final. The episode also examines standout players such as Vavá, Amarildo, Lev Yashin, and tournament co-top scorers Garrincha and Vavá, who each scored four goals.

Finally, we assess the legacy of 1962 — a World Cup that showcased football’s raw edge, tested officiating standards, and confirmed Brazil as the dominant force in global football.

Keywords: 1962 World Cup, Chile 1962, Garrincha World Cup, Battle of Santiago, Brazil World Cup, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind

Hashtags:

#WorldCup1962 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #Chile1962 #Garrincha #BrazilFootball #FIFAHistory #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast

The 1958 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Sweden, stands as one of the most important tournaments in football history. It marked the arrival of a teenage Pelé, Brazil’s first World Cup triumph, and a shift towards a faster, more attacking global game.

In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we explore how 35 nations entered qualification, with 16 teams reaching the finals, including all four Home Nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — a rare and historic moment in World Cup history.

We take a closer look at Wales’ unforgettable run, playing in their only World Cup finals appearance to date. Unbeaten in normal time, Wales reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Brazil, courtesy of Pelé’s first-ever World Cup goal. Northern Ireland also impressed, reaching the quarter-finals after a dramatic playoff victory, while England and Scotland endured contrasting group-stage campaigns.

The tournament produced 126 goals in 35 matches (3.6 per game) and showcased legends such as Garrincha, Didi, and Just Fontaine, whose 13 goals remain a World Cup record. We relive the classic matches, the 5–2 final win over Sweden, and examine the legacy of a World Cup that launched Brazil’s dominance and reshaped international football forever.

Keywords: 1958 World Cup, Sweden 1958, Pelé World Cup debut, Brazil first World Cup, Wales World Cup, England Scotland Northern Ireland World Cup, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind

Hashtags: #WorldCup1958 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #Pelé #Brazil1958 #WalesFootball #EnglandFootball #ScotlandFootball #NorthernIreland #FIFAHistory #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast #TFHB