In our eighteenth file, we travel to Germany, 2006, where the World Cup became a month-long celebration of all things football.

Fans from around the world filled Germany’s streets and stadiums, creating one of the most colourful and joyful tournaments the competition had ever seen. The host nation surprised everyone with an exciting run, young stars announced themselves to the world, and Zinedine Zidane returned to his brilliant best to lead France into the final. But Italy arrived with a powerful defence, fierce determination, and a team growing stronger with every match.

In File 18: Germany 2006, we uncover how Germany rediscovered its love for its national team, how Italy survived drama both on and off the pitch, and how one shocking moment brought Zidane’s extraordinary career — and an unforgettable World Cup final — to a dramatic end.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our seventeenth file, we travel to South Korea and Japan, 2002 — where the World Cup broke new ground and delivered surprises at every turn.

For the first time, the tournament came to Asia — and for the first time, two countries shared the role of host. Defending champions France suffered a stunning early exit, Senegal announced themselves with one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, and South Korea produced an extraordinary run that carried them all the way to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Brazil arrived with a fearsome attacking trio and Ronaldo searching for redemption after the heartbreak of 1998.

In File 17: South Korea and Japan 2002, we uncover how a World Cup of shocks sent some of football’s biggest nations home early, how the co-hosts created history, and how Ronaldo completed his remarkable comeback by leading Brazil to a fifth world title.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our sixteenth file, we travel to France, 1998 — where new nations emerged, old powers collided, and the host country dared to dream.

For the first time, 32 teams arrived to compete for football’s greatest prize. New nations made their mark, underdogs produced unforgettable shocks, and Croatia announced themselves to the world with a remarkable run. Brazil returned as defending champions, led by the brilliant Ronaldo — but the hosts had a gifted team of their own and a nation beginning to believe.

In Episode 16: France 1998, we uncover how the World Cup expanded into a truly global tournament, how controversy and mystery surrounded Brazil before the final, and how Zinedine Zidane inspired France to its first world title on home soil.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our fifteenth file, we travel to the United States, 1994 — where the World Cup arrived in a country still learning to love the game.

Many doubted whether football could capture America’s attention, but the tournament delivered packed stadiums, record-breaking crowds, unforgettable goals, and drama at every turn. Maradona’s World Cup ended in controversy, Romania and Bulgaria became surprise heroes, and Brazil returned to the final after 24 years away.

In Episode 15: USA 1994, we uncover how America staged the biggest World Cup yet, how the underdogs shook up the tournament, and how one heartbreaking penalty decided the world champion for the very first time.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our fourteenth file, we travel to Italy, 1990 — where the World Cup became tense, tactical, and unforgettable.

After the magic and chaos of Mexico 1986, football returned to one of the game’s great nations for a tournament full of pressure, passion, and heartbreak. There were penalty shootouts, surprise heroes, defensive battles, and emotional farewells. Cameroon shocked the world, England dared to dream, and Diego Maradona’s Argentina fought their way back to the final — but this time, West Germany were waiting.

In Episode 14: Italy 1990, we uncover how Cameroon shocked the football world, why England’s run captured a nation, and how West Germany turned heartbreak into triumph.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our thirteenth file, we travel to Mexico, 1986 — where one player turned the World Cup into his stage.

Sixteen years after Mexico last hosted the tournament, the World Cup returned with blazing sunshine, packed stadiums, and football drama from every direction. France, Brazil, Belgium, England, and West Germany all played their part in a tournament full of brilliant goals, fierce battles, and unforgettable moments. But above everyone stood Diego Maradona — dazzling, controversial, unstoppable, and ready to create some of the most famous scenes in football history.

In Episode 13: Mexico 1986, we uncover how Mexico stepped in to host the World Cup once again, how Maradona’s genius and controversy shaped the tournament, and how Argentina fought its way to a second world title.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our twelfth file, we travel to Spain, 1982 — where the World Cup became bigger than ever before.

For the first time, 24 teams arrived to chase football’s greatest prize, bringing new nations, new stories, and a tournament full of colour, chaos, and unforgettable drama. Brazil dazzled with beautiful football, France and West Germany produced one of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history, and Italy began slowly before finding a hero when it mattered most.

In Episode 12: Spain 1982, we uncover how the World Cup expanded, why Brazil’s brilliant team still lives in football legend, and how Paolo Rossi and Italy rose from doubt to glory.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our eleventh file, we travel to Argentina, 1978 — where the World Cup brought celebration, controversy, and one unforgettable home victory.

Across Argentina, stadiums roared, streets filled with ticker tape, and fans dreamed of seeing their team become world champions for the first time. On the pitch, Mario Kempes led the way with power, skill, and goals when Argentina needed them most. But this tournament also took place during a frightening time in the country’s history, making it one of the most complicated and controversial World Cups ever played.

In Episode 11: Argentina 1978, we uncover how Argentina chased glory on home soil, why the tournament is still debated today, and how one team, one crowd, and one golden-haired striker created a World Cup story no one could forget.

Strap in. History never played it safe.