1958: Brazil Are World Champions
Explore images from the first time Brazil won the biggest soccer tournament in the world
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958)Folha de S.Paulo
The World Cup is Ours!
The Brazilian captain Bellini (holding the cup) joins Garrincha (on the right) and other teammates to celebrate Brazil’s first World Cup title win in Sweden in 1958, after they beat the host nation 5-2.
João Havelange (1958-06-29)Folha de S.Paulo
João Havelange, president of the Brazilian Sports Confederation (Confederação Brasileira de Desportos), reads the Última Hora newspaper’s special edition, which celebrates Brazil's first World Cup win with the headline “The World Cup is Ours!”br>
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil v Austria
Brazil started what would be a memorable World Cup campaign with a match against Austria on June 8, 1958 at the Rimnersvallen Stadium in Uddevalla (Sweden). After two goals from Mazzola and one from veteran Nílton Santos, Brazil emerged winners with a score of 3-0.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-14)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil v England
In their second game on June 11, 1958, in Gothenburg’s Ullevi Stadium, Brazil and England played out the World Cup’s first ever 0-0 draw. In the photo, the England goalkeeper McDonald saves a shot.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-11)Folha de S.Paulo
São Paulo governor Jânio Quadros listens to the match between Brazil and England on the radio. The tie resulted in the first ever 0-0 draw in a World Cup. Three years later, in 1961, Jânio would be elected the 22nd president of Brazil, but would resign from office later that same year.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-15)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil v USSR
Brazil’s third match saw substitutes Pelé and Garrincha make their first appearances against the also debuting former Soviet Union (USSR). Despite being favorites, the USSR was beaten 2-0, with Brazil’s striker Vavá scoring a goal in each half.
The businessman and head of the Brazilian delegation at the World Cup, Paulo Machado de Carvalho (on the right), and the Brazil manager, Vicente Feola, congratulate one another after Brazil’s win over the USSR at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg (Sweden).
Brazil’s defensive midfielder Zito (shirtless) and massage therapist Mário Américo hug after Brazil’s win over the USSR.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-19)Folha de S.Paulo
Pelé’s first goal
In their quarterfinal match against Wales, Brazil won 1-0, with the only goal coming from Pelé in the second half. It was his first World Cup goal.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06)Folha de S.Paulo
From left to right: left-back Nílton Santos, goalkeeper Gylmar, and Brazilian captain and center half Bellini out shopping on a day off during the World Cup in Sweden.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-24)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil v France
In the semifinals, Brazil came up against another favorite, France, but secured an easy 5-2 win. Goals from Vavá and Didi in the first half and a Pelé hat trick in the second secured their place in the final.
Brazil’s president, Juscelino Kubitschek, listens to the World Cup semifinal match between Brazil and France on the radio.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-29)Folha de S.Paulo
Final: Brazil v Sweden
The final against Sweden was played on June 29, 1958 in Stockholm's Rasunda Stadium. Brazil won their first World Cup by beating the host nation 5-2. In the photo, Brazil's Zagallo lies on the ground after the referee denied the Brazilians a penalty.
The better team on the day, Brazil came from a goal down to lead 2-1 at halftime, with Vavá scoring both goals. In the second half, two goals from Pelé and one from Zagallo secured Brazil their first World Cup title.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-29)Folha de S.Paulo
Just after the final whistle, Zito, wearing the No. 19 shirt, hugs Sweden’s Gunnar Gren. To the left, Brazil’s center half Orlando Peçanha congratulates the German linesman Albert Dusch.
Copa do Mundo 1958 (1958-06-29)Folha de S.Paulo
Party time in Brazil
Fans celebrate Brazil’s first World Cup title while listening to the radio broadcast in downtown São Paulo.
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