The 1966 World Cup held in England saw the participation of 16 teams including North Korea. Hosted across seven towns and eight stadiums, there were several new features in the tournament introduced at this time.
The first-ever FIFA World Cup mascot debuted in 1966. The world met 'World Cup Willie' when England hosted the game. The mascot depicted an English lion who sported a Union Jack or Union Flag shirt with the words "WORLD CUP". It was designed by artist Reg Hoye. The introduction of this new character would pave a way for more mascots to be brought to life in FIFA's other major sporting events.
The 1966 FIFA World Cup was also the first time that drug testing was introduced. Stadiums also started to be adorned with floodlights in the tournament.
The eight edition of the World Cup is also the first to be broadcasted via satellite.
In the final match, fans thronged Wembley Stadium to witness the tournament's host nation go up against West Germany. In a 4-2 win, England was able to beat West Germany after extra time. Geoff Hurst, who made England’s first goal, scored one of the most-talked about goal in a World Cup final. He was also the only player to score a hat trick in a World Cup final.
Finding the stolen Jules Rimet Trophy
It was on March 20, 1966, when the FIFA World Cup trophy was stolen four months ahead of the tournament. Much to the panic of the authorities, an unexpected hero became the eventual finder of the stolen trophy.
David Corbett detailed how he found the World Cup trophy as he was setting out to a telephone box, with his dog 'Pickles' in tow.
On their way, the black and white dog started sniffing around an unusual package. Corbett recalled that the package was wrapped tightly in a newspaper and string laying against his neighbour's car wheel.
He picked it up and set it back down, suspecting the package to be containing a dangerous device. Curiousity got the best of him and he ripped a bit of the bottom part of the package and saw a plain disc. He then proceeded to tear it up and saw that there was Brazil, Germany, Uruguay.
Corbett and his dog 'Pickles' were thrusted into the spotlight as the pair appeared on televisions and at grand openings. 'Pickles' also received a medal and was even casted on a film called, "The Spy with a Cold Nose".
1966 World Cup in Numbers / 1966 World Cup Facts:
Host: England
Teams: 16
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 32
Goals: 89
Winner: England
Runner-up: West Germany
Third Place: Portugal
Fourth Place: Soviet Union
Golden boot: Eusebio Da Silva Ferreira (Portugal)
Silver Shoe: Helmut Haller (FR Germany)
Bronze Shoe: Valeriy Porkuyan (Soviet Union); Beckenbauer Franz (Germany); Ferenc Bene (Hungary); Geoff Hurst (England)
Best Young Player Award: Beckenbauer Franz (Germany)
