Although it was assumed Argentina’s turn had come, the finals were instead awarded to Chile.
The country was hit by the largest earthquake ever recorded, two years before the kick off, but remarkably Chile still managed to get things ready on time.
This World Cup is perhaps best remembered for the infamous Battle of Santiago, a particularly vicious and physical match in which the hosts beat Italy 2-0 to get to the knockout stage.
Chile went on to reach the semi finals before going down 4-2 to Brazil, who then completed a successful defence of their title by beating Czechosolovakia 3-1.
They did it without Pele however, as his tournament was ended by injury in the group stage, leaving Garrincha (as immortalised above) to play the starring role this time.
