1966 FIFA World Cup in England
The 1966 FIFA World Cup was held in England from 11 July to 30 July. In the Final, England beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time. This was England's first FIFA World Cup title (and only to date). Eusébio was the top scorer in the tournament with nine goals.
Trivia
- The Jules Rimet World Cup trophy was stolen while on exhibition in London just before kick-off of the 1966 finals. The name of the mongrel dog who sniffed out the stolen trophy from its hiding place under a garden hedge in Norwood in South London was called 'Pickles'. His owner David Corbett collected a GBP6,000 reward, and the man who had demanded a GBP15,000 ransom for the return of the trophy was jailed for two years.
- The 1966 World Cup is the only World Cup to have been boycotted by an entire continent, in protest to having to play off against the Asian champion for the one place in the finals, and also against the readmission of South Africa to FIFA.
- The 1966 opening match between England and Uruguay was delayed as seven English players had left their identity cards at the hotel. A police motor cyclist was dispatched to collect the identity cards from the hotel.
- A mascot was first used in World Cup in 1966 - it was a lion-like boy called Willie.
- Drug testing was first introduced in World Cup finals in 1966.
Related Pages
- Videos from the 1966 FIFA World Cup
- List of all countries who have hosted in the World Cup
- FIFA World Cup Home
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