Who was the head coach of Brazil when Pelé won his first World Cup?

Vicente Feola was the head coach of Brazil when Pelé won his first World Cup in 1958. Feola guided Brazil’s squad during the tournament in Sweden, where the 17-year-old Pelé became an international sensation.

Feola selected Pelé for Brazil’s third group match against the Soviet Union after the teenager had missed the opening games with a knee injury. Pelé helped Brazil win 2–0, then scored against Wales in the quarterfinal, three times against France in the semifinal, and twice against Sweden in the final.

Brazil’s organized, attack-minded team also featured Garrincha, Didi, Vavá, Nilton Santos, and goalkeeper Gilmar. Feola’s side combined technical skill with tactical discipline and conceded only four goals across the tournament. Brazil beat Sweden 5–2 in the final to claim its first World Cup.

Mário Zagallo was a player on that championship team, not its head coach. Telê Santana coached Brazil decades later, including at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. “Zagallo” and “Mário Zagallo” refer to the same person.