The Football History Boys

The Football History Boys
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The Football History Boys were founded in 2013 and write about the stunning history of the beautiful game. Ben Jones and Gareth Thomas are venturing into the world of podcasts, bringing their love for football to your ears! Give us a listen and check us out on Twitter: @TFHBs. Subscribe to the podcast here! https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/thefootballhistoryboys/subscribe

  1. The 1966 World Cup: Football's Coming Home

    11H AGO

    The 1966 World Cup: Football's Coming Home

    1966 World Cup Explained | England, Controversy & a Tournament That Defined an Era The 1966 FIFA World Cup was far more than just a football tournament. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we explore England 1966 as both a sporting milestone and a cultural moment, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 1960s Britain. Hosted across England and culminating at Wembley Stadium, the tournament featured 16 teams, 32 matches, and 89 goals. England lifted their first — and still only — World Cup under Alf Ramsey, but the story of 1966 goes far beyond the final. We examine the African boycott, sparked by FIFA’s refusal to guarantee Africa a place at the finals, highlighting the growing political tensions within world football. We also revisit the frustrations of Pelé, who was repeatedly fouled and left injured, symbolising the physical and often brutal nature of the tournament. The episode dives into the controversial refereeing decisions involving South American sides, particularly Argentina’s explosive quarter-final defeat to England, which left lasting resentment and accusations of European bias. Off the pitch, we relive one of the World Cup’s most surreal stories — Pickles the dog, who famously found the stolen Jules Rimet Trophy in a London garden. Set against the sound of The Beatles, miniskirts, and a nation in cultural flux, 1966 captured the spirit of the Swinging Sixties while delivering one of football’s most debated finals, sealed by Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick. A World Cup of glory, grievance, and lasting legacy. Keywords: 1966 World Cup, England 1966, African boycott, Pelé World Cup, Pickles the dog, World Cup controversy, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind Hashtags: #WorldCup1966 #England1966 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #Pelé #PicklesTheDog #FIFAHistory #ClassicFootball #1960sFootball #FootballPodcast

    1h 4m
  2. The 1962 World Cup: The dirtiest tournament of all-time?

    FEB 11

    The 1962 World Cup: The dirtiest tournament of all-time?

    🌍  1962 World Cup Explained | Brazil, Garrincha & the Battle of Santiago     The 1962 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Chile, is remembered as one of the most dramatic and controversial tournaments in football history. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit Chile 1962 — a competition defined by violence, brilliance, and the emergence of Garrincha as a World Cup icon.   Played just two years after a devastating earthquake, the tournament featured 16 teams and produced 89 goals in 32 matches, averaging 2.78 goals per game. We explore how Brazil defended their title despite losing Pelé to injury early in the competition, with Garrincha delivering one of the greatest individual World Cup performances of all time.   We break down iconic moments including the infamous Battle of Santiago between Chile and Italy, classic knockout matches, and Brazil’s 3–1 victory over Czechoslovakia in the final. The episode also examines standout players such as Vavá, Amarildo, Lev Yashin, and tournament co-top scorers Garrincha and Vavá, who each scored four goals.   Finally, we assess the legacy of 1962 — a World Cup that showcased football’s raw edge, tested officiating standards, and confirmed Brazil as the dominant force in global football.   Keywords: 1962 World Cup, Chile 1962, Garrincha World Cup, Battle of Santiago, Brazil World Cup, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind   Hashtags: #WorldCup1962 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #Chile1962 #Garrincha #BrazilFootball #FIFAHistory #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast

    56 min
  3. The 1958 World Cup: When Pelé broke Welsh hearts

    FEB 5

    The 1958 World Cup: When Pelé broke Welsh hearts

    APOLOGIES FOR THE AUDIO! We had some problems with our software so the second half may dip in parts! Hope you enjoy the show! 🌍 1958 World Cup Explained | Pelé, Brazil & Football’s New Era The 1958 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Sweden, stands as one of the most important tournaments in football history. It marked the arrival of a teenage Pelé, Brazil’s first World Cup triumph, and a shift towards a faster, more attacking global game. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we explore how 35 nations entered qualification, with 16 teams reaching the finals, including all four Home Nations — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — a rare and historic moment in World Cup history. We take a closer look at Wales’ unforgettable run, playing in their only World Cup finals appearance to date. Unbeaten in normal time, Wales reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Brazil, courtesy of Pelé’s first-ever World Cup goal. Northern Ireland also impressed, reaching the quarter-finals after a dramatic playoff victory, while England and Scotland endured contrasting group-stage campaigns. The tournament produced 126 goals in 35 matches (3.6 per game) and showcased legends such as Garrincha, Didi, and Just Fontaine, whose 13 goals remain a World Cup record. We relive the classic matches, the 5–2 final win over Sweden, and examine the legacy of a World Cup that launched Brazil’s dominance and reshaped international football forever. Keywords: 1958 World Cup, Sweden 1958, Pelé World Cup debut, Brazil first World Cup, Wales World Cup, England Scotland Northern Ireland World Cup, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind Hashtags: #WorldCup1958 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #Pelé #Brazil1958 #WalesFootball #EnglandFootball #ScotlandFootball #NorthernIreland #FIFAHistory #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast #TFHB

    56 min
  4. The 1954 World Cup: The Miracle of Bern

    JAN 22

    The 1954 World Cup: The Miracle of Bern

    🌍 The Miracle of Bern | The Story of the 1954 World Cup In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we travel to Switzerland 1954 to revisit one of the most dramatic and influential tournaments in football history. Known forever as the Miracle of Bern, the 1954 FIFA World Cup delivered record-breaking goals, tactical evolution, and one of the sport’s greatest upsets. The tournament saw 45 nations enter qualification, with 16 teams reaching the finals — a sign of football’s rapid post-war growth. Played across Switzerland, the competition remains the highest-scoring World Cup ever, with an astonishing 140 goals in 26 matches, averaging 5.38 goals per game. We explore the rise of Hungary’s Mighty Magyars, unbeaten in 31 matches and featuring legends like Ferenc Puskás, Sándor Kocsis, and Nándor Hidegkuti. Hungary swept aside opponents, including an 8–3 demolition of West Germany, and looked unstoppable heading into the final. But in Bern, football history turned. West Germany, wearing innovative Adidas screw-in studs, stunned the world with a 3–2 victory after trailing 2–0 early. We break down the final, the controversial disallowed Puskás goal, and the tactical and psychological factors that shaped the outcome. Finally, we examine the legacy of 1954 — the birth of German footballing identity, the enduring myth of the Mighty Magyars, and a World Cup that changed how the game was played forever. In short: Why the 1954 World Cup final was controversial How West Germany beat Hungary in 1954 What happened in the Miracle of Bern Was the 1954 Hungary team the best ever? Deep dive into the 1954 World Cup final 1954 World Cup historical analysis podcast Keywords: 1954 World Cup, Miracle of Bern, Hungary Mighty Magyars, West Germany World Cup, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind Hashtags: #WorldCup1954 #MiracleOfBern #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #FIFAHistory #Hungary #MightyMagyars #GermanyFootball #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast

    54 min
  5. The 1950 World Cup: Agony at the Maracana

    JAN 16

    The 1950 World Cup: Agony at the Maracana

    🌍 Agony at the Maracanã | The Story of the 1950 World Cup In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we relive one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking moments in football history — Brazil 1950 and the infamous Maracanazo. Played twelve years after the previous tournament, the 1950 FIFA World Cup marked football’s return after World War II and delivered a shock that still echoes through the sport. Hosted by Brazil, the tournament featured a unique final group format instead of a traditional final, with Uruguay, Brazil, Spain and Sweden battling for the title. Brazil entered the decisive match needing only a draw, having swept aside Sweden 7–1 and Spain 6–1, while the newly built Maracanã Stadium was packed with nearly 200,000 spectators, the largest crowd in football history. The tournament also marked the long-awaited World Cup debut of England, finally ending their self-imposed exile from FIFA competition. England arrived as British champions but suffered a famous 1–0 defeat to the USA, one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Scotland qualified too but controversially withdrew, while nations like Italy, the defending champions, were weakened following the Superga air disaster that devastated Torino’s squad. We break down the key matches, standout players and defining moments, including Ademir’s eight goals, the leadership of Obdulio Varela, and Alcides Ghiggia’s stunning winner that silenced the Maracanã. We also explore the wider context — withdrawals, qualification chaos, and the psychological weight placed on the hosts. Finally, we examine the lasting legacy of 1950, from Brazil’s kit change to yellow to how this defeat shaped their obsession with World Cup glory. Keywords: 1950 World Cup, Brazil 1950, Maracanazo, England World Cup debut, Uruguay World Cup, football history podcast, World Cup Rewind, Maracanã Stadium Hashtags: #WorldCup1950 #Maracanazo #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #Brazil1950 #EnglandFootball #Uruguay #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast #TFHB Jhcx77Td2GvQqQmxyKwe

    53 min
  6. The 1938 World Cup: Football on the brink of war

    JAN 8

    The 1938 World Cup: Football on the brink of war

    🌍 World Cup Rewind: 1938 – Football on the Brink of War In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the 1938 FIFA World Cup, hosted by France and remembered as the final tournament before football — and the world — was paused by World War II. Played in June 1938, this World Cup unfolded against a backdrop of rising political tension across Europe. We explore the qualification process, where 37 nations entered but only 15 teams competed after Austria withdrew following the Anschluss and Spain was absent due to civil war. We examine France’s role as hosts, the atmosphere inside packed stadiums, and the growing unease surrounding international football. On the pitch, the tournament delivered goals and drama in abundance. A total of 84 goals were scored across 18 matches, averaging 4.67 goals per game. We relive iconic moments such as Brazil’s 6–5 win over Poland, featuring the World Cup’s first-ever hat-trick by Leônidas da Silva, and Italy’s 4–2 victory over Hungary in the final. Italy became the first nation to retain the World Cup, with manager Vittorio Pozzo cementing his legendary status. We also discuss the controversies, political symbolism, standout players, and the lasting legacy of a tournament that marked the end of football’s pre-war era. Keywords: 1938 World Cup, France 1938, FIFA World Cup history, football history podcast, World Cup rewind, Italy World Cup, pre-war football Hashtags: #WorldCup1938 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #FIFAHistory #France1938 #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast #SoccerHistory #TFHB podscan_WzMYo0VVB2jLhlY8GcGH8i28IpumwxKJ 1a9cfa50-f566-11f0-8e25-9f6e0ae52294

    33 min
  7. The 1934 World Cup: Coppa Del Duce

    JAN 1

    The 1934 World Cup: Coppa Del Duce

    🌍 World Cup Rewind: 1934 – Italy, Politics, Controversy & the First European Champions In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we take a deep dive into the 1934 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Italy, then under the fascist dictatorship of Benito Mussolini and remembered as one of the most controversial tournaments in football history. It was the first World Cup held in Europe, the first to introduce formal qualification, and a competition heavily shaped by politics, power, and pressure. We explore how 32 nations entered qualification for just 16 places, why even the hosts had to qualify, and how withdrawals allowed countries like Argentina and Brazil to reach the finals without playing a match. From there, we examine Mussolini’s Italy, the use of the tournament as a propaganda tool, and the intense scrutiny placed on the Azzurri to win on home soil. On the pitch, we relive the best matches, including Italy’s 7–1 win over the USA, the brutal quarter-final clashes with Spain, and the dramatic final against Czechoslovakia, decided by extra time. We break down the numbers too — 70 goals in 17 matches, an average of over 4 goals per game, and standout performances from Giuseppe Meazza and Golden Boot winner Oldřich Nejedlý. We also tackle the controversies: refereeing accusations, political interference, and violent play. Finally, we assess the legacy of Italy 1934 — a tournament that helped define World Cup football while leaving behind one of its most debated triumphs. Keywords: 1934 World Cup, Italy 1934, FIFA World Cup history, football history podcast, Mussolini World Cup, World Cup rewind, classic football tournaments, Italy vs Czechoslovakia final Hashtags: #WorldCup1934 #FootballHistory #WorldCupRewind #FIFAHistory #Italy1934 #ClassicFootball #FootballPodcast #SoccerHistory #GiuseppeMeazza #TFHB podscan_WzMYo0VVB2jLhlY8GcGH8i28IpumwxKJ

    44 min
  8. The 1930 World Cup

    12/12/2025

    The 1930 World Cup

    Step back in time with World Cup Rewind: 1930, the first episode in our brand-new series exploring every tournament in World Cup history. In this deep-dive podcast, we break down the very first FIFA World Cup, hosted by Uruguay, and uncover how the foundations of modern football were built. We explore why Uruguay became hosts, how the Estadio Centenario was constructed for the tournament, and the political tensions that shaped the competition. We analyse the best matches, including Argentina’s 6–3 thriller vs Mexico and the dramatic Uruguay vs Argentina final, where the hosts completed an iconic 4–2 comeback. Hear all about the tournament’s biggest stars — José Nasazzi, Héctor Scarone and Golden Boot winner Guillermo Stábile — plus the best goals, tactical trends, and controversies such as the European boycott and the famous two-ball final. We close with a look at the tournament’s legacy, how Uruguay became the first world champions, and why the 1930 World Cup still shapes football today. Perfect for fans of football history, classic tournaments, and deep-dive analysis. The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup available here! https://amzn.eu/d/dkLRQ0m Keywords: World Cup 1930, Uruguay football history, first FIFA World Cup, Uruguay vs Argentina final, football podcast, World Cup rewind, vintage football, classic matches. Hashtags: #WorldCup1930 #FootballHistory #Uruguay #WorldCupRewind #SoccerPodcast #FIFAHistory

    32 min
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About

The Football History Boys were founded in 2013 and write about the stunning history of the beautiful game. Ben Jones and Gareth Thomas are venturing into the world of podcasts, bringing their love for football to your ears! Give us a listen and check us out on Twitter: @TFHBs. Subscribe to the podcast here! https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/thefootballhistoryboys/subscribe

Information

  • Creator
    The Football History Boys
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Football History Boys
  • Show Website
    The Football History Boys

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