Brazil began their campaign against Mexico in the group stage. With flair, speed, and attacking talent, the Brazilians looked to announce themselves as contenders, while Mexico sought to prove they could stand up to one of football’s giants. Played in Geneva, the match showcased the contrast between Brazil’s emerging stars and Mexico’s fighting spirit, setting the tone for both nations’ journeys in the tournament

Goals: (BRA) Baltazar 23'; Didi 30'; Pinga 34', 43'; Julinho 69'

Yugoslavia and France. With France boasting technical flair and Yugoslavia known for their strength and tactical discipline, the match promised intensity from start to finish. Played in Lausanne, it was a contest that reflected the rising quality of European football, as both teams battled to keep their tournament hopes alive.

GOALS: (YUG) Milutinovic 15'

Brazil and Yugoslavia faced off in a crucial group stage clash. Brazil arrived with attacking flair and an ambition to finally claim world glory, while Yugoslavia brought grit, discipline, and a reputation as one of Europe’s toughest sides. Played in Lausanne, the match became a tense showdown between South American creativity and European resilience, with both teams knowing their tournament future was at stake.

GOALS: (BRA) Didi 69'

            (YUG) Zebec 48'

France, carrying European flair and youthful energy, looked to make a strong start, while Mexico entered determined to prove themselves against one of Europe’s respected sides. Played in Geneva, the match set the tone for both nations’ campaigns and highlighted the growing international flavor of football’s greatest tournament.

GOALS: (FRA) Vincent 19'; Cardenas 46'(o.g.); Kopa 88' (pen.)

            (MEX) Lamadrid 54'; Balcazar 85'

West Germany and Turley clashed in a group battle of resilience. Both sides brought determination, knowing that survival in the group stage depended on this result. It was a meeting of grit and pride, with each team pushing to extend their tournament journey.

GOALS: (GER) Schafer 14'; Klodt 52'; O.Walter 60'; Morlock 84'

            (TUR) Mamat 2'

Hungary's legendary "Mighty Magyars" began their campaign against South Korea. Hungary, unbeaten in years, arrived as overwhelming favorites, while South Korea made their World Cup debut, stepping onto the global stage for the first time. The match reflected both the dominance of Europe's top side and the courage of a newcomer nation.

GOALS: (HUN) Puskas 12', 89'; Lantos 18'; Kocsis 24', 36', 50'; Czibor                        59'; Palotas 75', 83'

Hungary faced West Germany in Basel during the group stage. The Hungarians were led by Ferenc Puskas and carried the aura of invincibility, while West Geramany arrived as underdogs, still building thirt footballing identity after the war. The clash was a showcase of attacking power against determination, setting the tone for what was to come later in the tournament.

GOALS: (HUN) Kocsis 3', 21', 69', 78'; Puskas 17'; Hidegkuti 52',                              54'; J. Toth 75'

            (GER) Pfaff 25'; Rahn 77'; Hermann 84'

In Geneva, Turkey and South Korea faced off in a group stage test. Turkey carried expierence and tactical organazation, while South Korea played with heart and spirit on their World Cup debut. The match reflected the growing diversity of international football and the challenges newcomers faced on the global stage.

GOALS: (TUR) Mamat 10', 30'; Kucukandonyadis 24'; Sargun 37', 64',                        70'; Keskin 76'

In Bern, defending champions Uruguay met Czechoslovakia in their opening group match. Uruguay brought the pedigree of champions and the experience of stars from 1950, while Czechoslovakia looked to establish themselves as dangerous opponents. The match was a test of tradition against youthful ambition.

GOALS: (URU) Miguez 71'; Schiaffino 84'

In Zurich, Scotland and Austria squared off in a European duel. Scotland arrived as debutants eager to prove themselves, while Austria carried experience and tactical strength. The match showcased contrasting European football traditions under the pressure of the group stage.

GOALS: (AUS) Probst 33'

In Basel, Uruguay faced Scotland in a historic clash. Uruguay, unbeaten in World Cup history, aimed to continue their dominance, while Scotland made their first-ever apperance at the tournament. It was a meeting of old champions against hopeful newcomers on football's grandest stage.

GOALS: (URU) Borges 17', 47', 57'; Miguez 30', 33'; Abbadie 54', 85'

In Zurich, Austria and Czechoslovakia renewed their rivalry in a tense group encounter. Both nations brought tactical quality and regional pride, with the stakes of qualification raising the intensity. It was a showcase of Central European football at its fiercest.

GOALS: (AUS) Stojaspal 3', 65'; Probst 4', 21', 24'

In Lausanne, Switzerland faced Italy in one of the most heated group clases. Switzerland, boosted by home support, aimed to topple a two-time world champion, while Italy looked to reassert themselves after previous struggles. The match reflected passion, pride, and historic rivalry.

GOALS: (SWI) Ballaman 18'; Hugi 78'

             (ITA) Boniperti 44'

In Basel, England met Belgium in a highly anticipated clash. England, bringing their traditional direct style, faced a Belgian side known for a technical play and strong teamwork. The match promised excitement and highlighted the competitiveness of Group 4.

GOALS: (ENG) Broadis 26', 63'; Lofthouse 36', 91'

            (BEL) Anoul 5', 71'; Coppens 67'; Dickinson 94' (o.g.)

In Lugano, Italy and Belgium clashed in a group stage encounter rich with European rivalry. Italy's history as past champions gave them weight, while Belgium came prepared with grit and determination. The match was a true battle of endurance and pride

GOALS: (ITA) Pandolfini 41' (pen.); Galli 48'; Frignani 58'; Lorenzi 78'

            (BEL) Anoul 81'

In Bern, host nation Switzerland faced England in a decisive group stage battle. The Swiss carried the energy of the home crowd, while England sought to impose themselves as global contenders. The atmosphere was electric, with national pride on full display.

GOALS: (ENG) Mullen 43'; Wilshaw 69'

In Lausanne, the World Cup witnessed its wildest game: Austria vs host nation Switzerland in a quarterginal that produced a record 12 goals. Switzerland raced into a 3-0 lead in just 19 minutes, but Austria launched an incredible comeback, scoring five before half. Despite Switzerland's efforst to rally, Austri triumphed 7-5 in the highest-scoring match in the World Cup history, eliminating the hosts in dramatic fashion.

GOALS: (AUS) Wagner 25', 27', 53'; A.Korrner 26',34'; Ocwirk 32';                              Probst 76'

            (SWI) Ballaman 16', 39'; Hugi 17', 19', 60'

Defending champions Uruguay faced England in Basel in one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament. England struck first, but Uruguay's experience and skill shone through. Uruguay's 4-2 win showed that the holders were still a force to be reckoned with, while England's wait for a first World Cup crown continued.

GOALS: (URU) Borges 5'; Varela 39'; Schiaffino 46'; Ambrois 78'

            (ENG) Lofthouse 16'; Finney 67'

West Germany, still considered underdogs after their heavy group stage loss to Hungary, stunned Yugoslavia in Geneva. An own goal gave the Germans an early lead before Helmut Rahn added a decisive strike. With a 2-0 victory, West Germany advanced to the semis, proving their resilience and setting the stage for their growing reputation as tournament fighters.

GOALS: (GER) Horvat 9' (o.g.) Rahn 85'

In Bern, Hungary's "Mighty Magyars" met Brazil in what became known as the "Battle of Bern". Ferenc Puskas returned from injury to inspire Hungary, and despite fierce resistance from Brazil, the Hungarians emerged 4-2 winners. The match was marred by brutal tackles, red cards, and even a post-match brawl in the tunnel, but Hungary advanced, keeping their dream of a first World Cup alive.

GOALS: (HUN) Hidegkuti 4'; Kocsis 7',88'; Lantos 60' (pen.)

            (BRA) Djalma Santos 16'(pen); Julinho 65'

In Basel, West Germany shocked Austria with a stunning display of power and efficiency. After Hans Schafer's early strike, Germany poured on the goals, with Max Morlock, Ottmar Walter, and Fritz Walter all finding the net. Despite Austria's spirited efforts, the Germans were relentless, running out 6-1 winners. From being crushed by Hungary in the group stage to reaching the World Cup final, West Germany's remarkable turnaround was complete.

GOALS: (GER) Schafer 31'; Morlock 47'; F. Walter 54'(pen.),                                    64'(pen); O. Walter 61', 89'

            (AUS) Probst 51'

Lausanne hosted one of the greatest matches in World Cup history, as Hungary's "Mighty Magyars" took on defending champions Uruguay. The Hungarians led 2-0 through Czibor and Hidegkuti, but Juan Hohberg pulled Uruguay level with two dramatic goals, forcing extra time. In the added period, Sandor Kocsis rose to the occasion, scoring twice to seal a 4-2 victory. Hungary ended Uruguay's unbeaten World Cup record, earning their place in the final and setting up an epic clash with West Germany.

GOALS: (HUN) Czibor 13'; Hidegkuti 46'; Kocsis 111', 116'

            (URU) Hohberg 75', 86'