This was the first World Cup without the founder, Jules Rimet, who died on October 16, 1956 aged 83.

• For the first and only time all four British countries qualified, with Wales and Northen Ireland, who ousted Italy, making their debuts. The Soviet Union, featuring the legendary Lev Yashin in goal, were also making their first appearance in the World Cup finals.

• England arrived under a shadow after eight Manchester United players were killed in an aircrash at Munich, West Germany in February 1958.

• The first ever recorded 0-0 draw was in Group Four when England held mighty Brazil in Gothenburg.

• Brazil introduced a new way of playing, with a 4-2-4 formation based on dynamic wing play.

• This was the first final to be contested by countries from different continents. Brazil were the first country to win outside their own continent.

• Top scorer was Just Fontaine of France with 13 goals, which is still a World Cup record.