The World Cup in News Brands
The stories that defined the beautiful game
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The stories that defined the beautiful game
From the very first tournament in the 1930s to the global cultural behemoth it is today, news brands' World Cup coverage has become a cornerstone of football fans' experience of the tournament for generations.
Starting with column inches and ending with editorial across every conceivable platform, take a look at how news brands have covered some of the biggest moments in world football.
Uruguay · Italy · France
Daily Express
For reasons that remain unclear, none of the UK teams play in the pre-war World Cups. With no home interest, the results of a faraway international football tournament are relegated to just a couple of column inches.
Brazil · Switzerland · Sweden
Daily Mirror
England's long-anticipated debut in 1950 ends in infamy as a shock defeat to the US means the Three Lions crash out of the group stage. However, by the end of the decade, UK interest in the tournament begins to grow.
Chile · England
The Sunday Times
After sixteen years, 1966 is the year that needs no introduction. The following day's papers rejoice in the glory of England's winning squad.
Mexico
The Sun
Brazil topples world champions England in 'The Battle of the Giants', ending up eventual champion for the third time. The Jules Rimet trophy is permanently awarded to Brazil for its achievements.
West Germany
Daily Mirror
A shock win for Poland at Wembley in 1973 meant England failed to make the finals — the FA sacks hallowed manager Sir Alf Ramsey soon afterwards. Scotland is the UK's sole representative, failing to make it out of the groups.
Argentina
The Times
England fails to qualify again, with a victory over Italy not enough to carry them to Argentina. Scotland qualifies to fly the UK banner but does not advance to the knockouts.
Spain
The Times
England returns to the biggest stage with an unbeaten campaign; tournament logistics still mean it crashes out of the second round. France and West Germany's nail-biting semi-final becomes remembered as the 'Night in Seville'.
Mexico
The Sun
Diego Maradona sparks widespread outrage as England tumbles out of the quarter-finals with help from the 'Hand of God'.
Italy
The Independent
A valiant England run ends in tears in the semis. The Three Lions succumb to their first World Cup penalty shoot-out loss, this time against eventual champions West Germany.
USA
Daily Star
An infamous qualifying campaign from all four home nations means no UK team makes it to the finals for the first time since 1938. San Marino compounds English embarrassment by scoring an unlikely goal after just 12 seconds.
France
The Independent
England and Scotland triumphantly return to the World Cup scene in France. The Tartan Army fail to reach the knockouts, while David Beckham sees red in a notorious second-round defeat to Argentina.
South Korea / Japan
Daily Mirror
As fans increasingly log on to get the latest news, news brand websites keep readers informed of every kick, save and goal. Sven-Goran Eriksson's 'golden generation' battle valiantly in Korea and Japan but fail to keep out a Ronaldinho quarter-final screamer.
Germany
The Guardian
Another quarter-final, another England defeat — this time at the hands of Portugal. Eriksson leaves soon after. It's also the first podcast World Cup, with fans listening to expert analysis from news brand journalists in Germany.
South Africa
Daily Mail
By the time the World Cup lands in South Africa, smartphones have revolutionised how fans stay updated. News brands' Twitter accounts follow England's progress — sadly only to fall at the second round to arch-rivals Germany.
Brazil
Daily Mirror
News brand coverage of Brazil's World Cup includes long-form video content bringing the on-pitch action on-screen. A dismal campaign sees England finish bottom of their group, while Germany's 7-1 rout of the hosts goes down in history.
Russia
England's first tournament under Gareth Southgate takes the Three Lions to within a hair's breadth of the final, squandering an early lead against Croatia. News brands map England's journey to the semis across socials.
Qatar
Metro
Qatar's World Cup is played in the Northern Hemisphere's winter for the first time. The tournament courts controversy on and off the pitch, as coverage throughout the tournament shows.
USA · Canada · Mexico
Daily Mail
The anticipation builds as three countries prepare to host the World Cup for the first time. Can England end 60 years of hurt?
