1966 World Cup Final to air on Channel 4 in support of National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal

1 June 2020

The most iconic moment in English footballing history - England’s dramatic 1966 World Cup Final win over West Germany - will be broadcast in full on Channel 4 on Sunday 7 June at 1.30pm.

Viewers will be able to watch the entire match alongside England’s hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst who will give his unique insight into the game as it happens.

The broadcast will support the fundraising efforts of the National Emergencies Trust’s (NET) Coronavirus Appeal and was made possible by FIFA, which has granted Final Replay the rights to the original game footage for this rare viewing event.

The National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal was launched on 18th March in response to the COVID-19 health pandemic. In partnership with UK Community Foundations and its network (UKCF), the Appeal is providing vital funds to grassroots charities and groups all over the UK who are supporting the urgent needs of their communities.

Sir Geoff said: “Revisiting that special day in 1966 always brings back many fantastic memories and I am certain the re-broadcast of the match by the Final Replay team will bring a smile to many at a difficult time - and help raise funds for the vital National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal.”

All donations made by the public throughout the Final Replay ‘66 show will be match-funded by NatWest up to a value of £1.5 million.

Final Replay ’66 will be presented by Gabby Logan, working alongside Sir Geoff Hurst and ex-England player and manager Glenn Hoddle. The pre-match build-up will include Gabby interviewing  Sir Geoff - the only man ever to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup Final - about the moment he netted his third goal, Alf Ramsey’s tactics and legendary temper, the team’s pre-match nerves and what it meant to walk out onto the green pitch at Wembley Stadium in an England shirt on that special day.  

Sir Geoff added: “I can’t wait to watch the game with Gabby and Glenn on Sunday. It’ll be wonderful – and emotional for me - to relive some of those highlights again. Come on England! “

The match, complete with extra time, will be broadcast in black and white as it was on 30 July 1966 from Wembley Stadium. It will include a mix of commentary and chat with input from Sir Geoff who will be joined by a host of other star footballing names past and present including Jurgen Klinsmann and Alex Scott. The programme will also feature colour footage taken on the day including The Queen greeting the teams and celebrations after England’s famous win.

Appeals to raise money for the National Emergencies Trust (NET) Coronavirus Appeal will feature throughout the show as well as updates on the work undertaken by the charity whose Patron is His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.

Lord Dannatt, Chairman of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “Football has a powerful ability to bring communities and families together. We hope that in the case of Final Replay ‘66, they will come together to not only enjoy this iconic game but support thousands of local charities and groups doing vital work on the ground all over the UK. We’re extremely grateful to FIFA, Channel 4 and the teams at Final Replay, Whisper and Timeline for helping to make this happen.”

The National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal is supporting a diverse range of organisations on the community frontline, from food banks and meal delivery efforts to mental health support groups and voluntary medical services.

Anyone can donate to the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal before, during and after the show by texting TEN to 70820 to donate £10 (+1 std rate message, UK mobiles, 16+ only). Or by visiting www.dowhatyoucan.net

Neil Canetty-Clarke, from Final Replay ‘66, said: “The 1966 World Cup Final attracted the highest ever TV audience in UK history at over 32m viewers, we are excited to see how the full match re-broadcast does for channel and charity this Sunday – almost 54 years later - in lockdown.”

Final Replay ’66 airs on Channel 4 on Sunday, 7 June at 1.30pm and is being produced by Final Replay and Whisper which is providing its award-winning team without charge and covering the majority of its own costs in support of the National Emergencies Trust’s Coronavirus Appeal.