World Cup

Stories & Trivia

Behind-the-scenes stories, trivia and off-the-pitch moments from every World Cup — from the Maracanazo to Ronaldo's 1998 seizure.

Stories & trivia

Off the pitch

World Cup

Wild World Cup trivia — Part IV: Ronaldo's convulsion, the attendance record and the 7–1

The mysterious night before the 1998 final, the fact that Brazil is the only country present at every World Cup and the 7–1 that echoed an old scoreline in the cruelest way.

Guriball Editorial · Jul 02, 2026 · 5 min read

World Cup

Wild World Cup trivia — Part III: the psychologist, Garrincha's dog and the trophy that vanished

The report that almost left Pelé and Garrincha at home in 1958, the dog that dribbled Garrincha himself in 1962 and the theft of the Jules Rimet trophy in 1983. Three Brazilian stories that feel invented.

Guriball Editorial · Jul 02, 2026 · 5 min read

World Cup

Wild World Cup trivia — Part II: the Maracanazo and the eternal Brazil vs Germany duel

200,000 people silent at the Maracanã and more than 450 combined goals between Brazil and Germany. Part II of Guriball's compilation of unlikely World Cup stories.

Guriball Editorial · Jul 01, 2026 · 5 min read

World Cup

Wild World Cup trivia — Part I: goal fests, red cards and a match that turned into a boxing bout

12 goals in a single game, 20 cards in 90 minutes and a Russian referee handing out yellows to the wind. The most absurd stories from the World Cups, told calmly.

Guriball Editorial · Jul 01, 2026 · 5 min read