World Cup 1958: When Pele guided Brazil to its first title

It was the second time that a European country hosted two consecutive editions of the tournament, upsetting the south American nations again.

Host: Sweden
Teams: 16
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 35
Goals: 126
Winners: Brazil
Runners-up: Sweden
Golden boot: Just Fontaine (France)

Background

The qualification process for the 1958 World Cup gave the opportunity to a wider pool of nations.

It saw the qualification of all four British nations, the return of Argentina and the debut of the…