1962 FIFA World Cup: Brazil's Second Triumph in Chile
The 1962 FIFA World Cup marked the seventh edition of the quadrennial international football championship for senior men's national teams. Hosted by Chile from May 30 to June 17, the tournament brought together 16 teams from three confederations to compete for the prestigious Jules Rimet Trophy.
The road to the finals was rigorous, with qualification rounds spanning from August 1960 to December 1961. Out of 56 entering teams from six confederations, 14 successfully qualified to join the host nation, Chile, and the defending champions, Brazil.
Key Facts
- Champions: Brazil (their 2nd title)
- Runners-up: Czechoslovakia
- Third Place: Chile
- Fourth Place: Yugoslavia
- Best Player: Garrincha
- Total Goals: 89 goals across 32 matches (2.78 per match)
- Total Attendance: 893,172 spectators
Host Selection and Venues
Chile secured the hosting rights after a competitive bidding process, receiving 31 votes compared to Argentina's 12, while West Germany withdrew from the race. The tournament was staged across four host cities, utilizing stadiums with varying capacities to accommodate the global crowd.
| City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Santiago | Estadio Nacional | 66,660 |
| Viña del Mar | Estadio Carlos Dittborn | 17,786 |
| Rancagua | Estadio Braden Copper Co. | 18,000 |
| Arica | Estadio Sausalito | 18,037 |
Tournament Format and Group Stage
The 16 participating teams were divided into four groups. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage. Squads were limited to 22 players per team, maintaining the standard set in the 1958 tournament.
Group Highlights
- Group 1: The Soviet Union led the group with 5 points, followed by Yugoslavia.
- Group 2: West Germany topped the group, with the host nation Chile securing the second spot.
- Group 3: Brazil dominated the group, while Czechoslovakia progressed as runners-up.
- Group 4: Hungary emerged as the group winner, with England advancing in second place.
The Road to the Final
The knockout stage began on June 10, featuring high-stakes quarter-finals. Brazil demonstrated their dominance with a 3-1 victory over England, while Chile thrilled their home crowd by defeating the Soviet Union 2-1. Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia also progressed to the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, Brazil overcame Chile in a 4-2 battle, and Czechoslovakia defeated Yugoslavia 3-1. Chile eventually secured third place by defeating Yugoslavia 1-0 in the third-place play-off.
The Grand Final
The final took place on June 17 in Santiago. Brazil faced Czechoslovakia in a match that solidified their status as a football powerhouse. Brazil won 3-1, with goals from Amarildo, Zito, and Vavá, securing their second World Cup title.
Individual Honors and Statistics
The tournament was defined by exceptional individual performances. Garrincha was named the best player of the tournament and was one of the joint top scorers. The goal-scoring honors were shared among six players—Garrincha, Vavá, Leonel Sánchez, Flórián Albert, Valentin Ivanov, and Dražan Jerković—each netting 4 goals.
Other notable individual awards included Flórián Albert as the best young player and Viliam Schrojf as the best goalkeeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1962 FIFA World Cup?
Brazil won the tournament, defeating Czechoslovakia 3-1 in the final to claim their second World Cup title.
Which player was named the best player of the tournament?
Garrincha was recognized as the best player of the 1962 World Cup.
How many teams participated in the 1962 World Cup?
A total of 16 teams participated, including the host nation Chile and the defending champions Brazil.
Who were the top scorers of the tournament?
Six players tied for the top scorer position with 4 goals each: Garrincha, Vavá, Leonel Sánchez, Flórián Albert, Valentin Ivanov, and Dražan Jerković.
Where were the matches played?
The matches were held in four Chilean cities: Santiago, Viña del Mar, Rancagua, and Arica.