All four British teams were present, and all lost key players in the Munich air disaster of 1957. With France and Sweden favoured, and holders West Germany in great form, it was hard to predict which country would lift the coveted Jules Rimet trophy.

Juste Fontaine led France to the semis, scoring a record 13 goals in 6 games.

The best was yet to come, though, as teenage sensation Pele announced his international arrival with a bag of tricks, and goals.