Spain 1982

The 1982 FIFA World Cup, held in Spain, was a significant milestone in the history of the tournament, heralding its expansion to 24 teams. Italy's triumph to secure their third title was a narrative of redemption, spearheaded by Paolo Rossi, who emerged as the top scorer after returning from a match-fixing scandal. The tournament was rich in dramatic matches, notably the Italian victory over Brazil in the second round and the tempestuous West Germany-France semifinal, etched in memory as the "Battle of Seville." It also showcased emerging talents like Diego Maradona and the surprising prowess of teams such as Northern Ireland and Algeria.