England’s finest hour
England 4–2 West Germany (a.e.t.)
📍 Wembley Stadium, London · 30 July 1966
- ⚽ Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick — still the only one in a World Cup final
- ©️ Captained by Bobby Moore, managed by Sir Alf Ramsey
- 🏆 England’s first and only World Cup — won on home soil
“They think it’s all over… it is now!”
The home nations' story
Glory, heartbreak and the long road back to the World Cup stage
- 1966 Champions Beat West Germany 4–2 at Wembley — Hurst's hat-trick
- 1990 Fourth place Gazza's tears; lost the semi-final to West Germany on penalties
- 1998 Round of 16 Beckham sent off vs Argentina; out on penalties
- 2018 Fourth place Southgate's side reach a first semi-final in 28 years
- 2022 Quarter-final Narrow exit to eventual finalists France
- 2026 17th finals A new chapter begins under Thomas Tuchel
- 1974 Group stage Went home unbeaten — eliminated only on goal difference
- 1978 Group stage Archie Gemmill's goal vs the Netherlands — one of the greatest ever
- 1990 Group stage A fifth consecutive World Cup finals
- 1998 Group stage Opened against Brazil — then a 28-year wait began
- 2026 9th finals Back at last under Steve Clarke — the wait is over
Roll of Honour
Every World Cup champion since 1930 — with the Golden Boot winner and a moment that made history
Argentina
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Messi’s crowning glory in the greatest final of all.
France
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France’s young guns triumph; Mbappé arrives, Kane’s Golden Boot.
Germany
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Götze’s late winner — and Germany’s 7–1 humbling of the hosts.
Spain
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Iniesta’s extra-time strike wins Spain a first World Cup.
Italy
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Zidane’s headbutt; Italy win the shootout in Berlin.
Brazil
🏆
Ronaldo’s redemption delivers Brazil a record fifth title.
France
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Zidane’s two headers crown France on home soil.
Brazil
🏆
The first final settled on penalties — Baggio skies it, Brazil win a fourth.
West Germany
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Germany edge Argentina; Gazza’s tears define England’s run.
Argentina
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Maradona’s tournament — the “Hand of God” and the Goal of the Century.
Italy
🏆
Paolo Rossi’s redemption seals Italy’s third star.
Argentina
🏆
Kempes fires the hosts to glory in a storm of ticker-tape.
West Germany
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Beckenbauer’s hosts overcome Cruyff’s Total Football.
Brazil
🏆
Pelé’s Brazil keep the Jules Rimet trophy for good.
England
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England’s finest hour — Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick at Wembley.
Brazil
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Garrincha inspires Brazil to back-to-back crowns.
Brazil
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A 17-year-old Pelé lights up Sweden; Fontaine’s 13 still a record.
West Germany
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The “Miracle of Bern” — West Germany stun the Mighty Magyars.
Uruguay
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The “Maracanazo” — Uruguay silence 200,000 fans at the Maracanã.
Italy
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Italy retain the trophy — the first back-to-back champions.
Italy
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Italy win their first title on home soil.
Uruguay
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The first-ever World Cup — hosts Uruguay are crowned inaugural champions.