Mexico won the bid to host the first FIFA World Cup outside Europe or South America in 1970, becoming the tournament’s first host in North America.
Mexico staged the competition from 31 May to 21 June 1970. Matches were played at high altitude and in warm conditions, and the tournament was the first World Cup broadcast widely in color television.
Brazil won the title by defeating Italy 4–1 in the final at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Pelé scored Brazil’s opening goal, and Brazil became the first nation to win the World Cup three times. Because of that third triumph, Brazil permanently received the Jules Rimet Trophy.
The 1970 tournament is often praised for attacking football and is associated with one of Brazil’s most celebrated teams. Mexico also hosted the World Cup again in 1986, becoming the first country to stage the tournament twice.