On 22nd August 1960, England was chosen as the host of the 1966 FIFA World Cup, beating West Germany in the final round of voting, and on 1st May 1963, Goodison Park was selected as one of the stadiums. At the group stages, Goodison hosted three matches – all of them involving reigning World Cup winners Brazil:
- 12 July – Brazil v Bulgaria
- 15 July – Hungary v Brazil
- 19 July – Portugal v Brazil