In short
England hosted and won the 1966 FIFA World Cup, defeating West Germany 4–2 in a final that went to extra time on July 30. It remains England's only World Cup victory and one of the defining sporting moments in British history.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
The 1966 FIFA World Cup was the eighth FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial football tournament for senior national teams. It was played in England from 11 to 30 July 1966. England defeated West Germany 4–2 in the final to win their first, and only, World Cup title. The final was level at 2–2 after 90 minutes and went into extra time, during which Geoff Hurst scored two goals to complete his hat-trick, the first to be scored in a World Cup final. Portuguese striker Eusébio was the tournament's top scorer, with nine goals earning him the golden boot award with three goals more than second placed Helmut Haller. It was the first World Cup held in the English-speaking world.
As it was happening
11 voices, 20 days.
One beat at a time. Click any dot on the timeline to jump, press play for autoplay, or use the arrow keys to step.
Tournament opens
The 1966 FIFA World Cup begins in England with the opening match between England and Uruguay at Old Trafford.
Voices from this moment (1)
Tournament opens
Jul 11
“The 1966 FIFA World Cup begins in England with the opening…”
As it was happening
11 voices, 20 days.
Day 0 · July 11, 1966
Tournament opens
The 1966 FIFA World Cup begins in England with the opening match between England and Uruguay at Old Trafford.
“The 1966 FIFA World Cup begins in England with the opening…”
- Tournament opens, Jul 11
Day 4 · July 15, 1966
France eliminated
England defeats France 2–0 in the group stage at Hillsborough.
“England defeats France 2–0 in the group stage at…”
- France eliminated, Jul 15
Day 9 · July 20, 1966
England advances to quarter-finals
England beats Mexico 2–0 to top their group and secure knockout stage placement.
“England beats Mexico 2–0 to top their group and secure…”
- England advances to quarter-finals, Jul 20
Day 12 · July 23, 1966
England reaches semi-finals
England defeats Argentina 1–0 in the quarter-finals at Wembley in a tense match.
“England defeats Argentina 1–0 in the quarter-finals at…”
- England reaches semi-finals, Jul 23
Day 15 · July 26, 1966
England reaches final
England beats Portugal 2–1 in the semi-final at Wembley, with Bobby Charlton scoring twice.
“England beats Portugal 2–1 in the semi-final at Wembley,…”
- England reaches final, Jul 26
Day 19 · July 30, 1966
Final match
England defeats West Germany 4–2 after extra time at Wembley Stadium. Geoff Hurst scores a hat-trick, including the disputed fourth goal in the 101st minute. The final is level 2–2 after 90 minutes.
“That was a very good game.”
- Post-match interview, BBC Television, Jul 30
“It's the greatest moment of my life.”
- Dressing room press conference, 30 July 1966, Jul 30
“England played very well.”
- Post-match press conference, Wembley Stadium, Jul 30
“This is the proudest moment in English football.”
- Trophy presentation ceremony remarks, 30 July 1966, Jul 30
“England have won the World Cup - a triumph of organisation,…”
- The Times, Match Report, Jul 31
“England defeats West Germany 4–2 after extra time at…”
- Final match, Jul 30
The numbers.
5 numbers that anchor the scale.
By the numbers
The countable parts.
Tournament dates
0–30 July 1966
Venues
0 stadiums across England
Tournament edition
0th FIFA World Cup
Participating nations
0 teams
Match attendance (final)
0 at Wembley Stadium
Captured in time.
Captured before it changed
The web as it looked, the day it happened.
Wayback Machine snapshots of the pages people actually loaded that day. Click any card to open the archive at full size.
Sources & citations.
Sources
Where this came from.
Every claim on this page traces to a public, license-clean source. We don't asterisk well.
Wikipedia
1 source- 1.1966 FIFA World Cup
en.wikipedia.org