England's only FIFA World Cup victory, won on home soil in 1966, with Geoff Hurst scoring the first hat-trick in a men's World Cup final.
Key Facts
- Final score
- England 4–2 West Germany (a.e.t.)
- Top scorer
- Eusébio (Portugal) — 9 goals
- Host stadiums
- 8 stadiums across England
- Wembley capacity
- 98,600 spectators
- African nations boycott
- 15 nations withdrew over qualifying allocation
- Jules Rimet trophy
- Stolen then recovered by dog named Pickles
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
England was awarded hosting rights for the eighth FIFA World Cup, bringing the tournament to the English-speaking world for the first time. Controversy preceded the event when the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen, though it was recovered by a dog named Pickles four months before kick-off. African nations boycotted en masse after FIFA denied them a direct qualifying place.
Played across eight English stadiums from 11 to 30 July 1966, the tournament saw host nation England defeat West Germany 4–2 in extra time at Wembley. Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick — the first in a men's World Cup final — and Portugal's Eusébio claimed the Golden Boot with nine goals. Defending champions Brazil were eliminated in the group stage.
England became the fifth nation and third host to win the World Cup, a victory that has never been repeated by an English side. North Korea's surprise run to the quarter-finals raised the tournament's global profile. The final, broadcast in black and white by the BBC, was the last World Cup final shown without colour television, and satellite broadcasts extended the event's international reach for the first time.
Result
at Wembley Stadium, London