In our eighteenth file, we travel to Germany, 2006, where the World Cup became a month-long celebration of all things football.

Fans from around the world filled Germany’s streets and stadiums, creating one of the most colourful and joyful tournaments the competition had ever seen. The host nation surprised everyone with an exciting run, young stars announced themselves to the world, and Zinedine Zidane returned to his brilliant best to lead France into the final. But Italy arrived with a powerful defence, fierce determination, and a team growing stronger with every match.

In File 18: Germany 2006, we uncover how Germany rediscovered its love for its national team, how Italy survived drama both on and off the pitch, and how one shocking moment brought Zidane’s extraordinary career — and an unforgettable World Cup final — to a dramatic end.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our seventeenth file, we travel to South Korea and Japan, 2002 — where the World Cup broke new ground and delivered surprises at every turn.

For the first time, the tournament came to Asia — and for the first time, two countries shared the role of host. Defending champions France suffered a stunning early exit, Senegal announced themselves with one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, and South Korea produced an extraordinary run that carried them all the way to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Brazil arrived with a fearsome attacking trio and Ronaldo searching for redemption after the heartbreak of 1998.

In File 17: South Korea and Japan 2002, we uncover how a World Cup of shocks sent some of football’s biggest nations home early, how the co-hosts created history, and how Ronaldo completed his remarkable comeback by leading Brazil to a fifth world title.

Strap in. History never played it safe.

In our sixteenth file, we travel to France, 1998 — where new nations emerged, old powers collided, and the host country dared to dream.

For the first time, 32 teams arrived to compete for football’s greatest prize. New nations made their mark, underdogs produced unforgettable shocks, and Croatia announced themselves to the world with a remarkable run. Brazil returned as defending champions, led by the brilliant Ronaldo — but the hosts had a gifted team of their own and a nation beginning to believe.

In Episode 16: France 1998, we uncover how the World Cup expanded into a truly global tournament, how controversy and mystery surrounded Brazil before the final, and how Zinedine Zidane inspired France to its first world title on home soil.

Strap in. History never played it safe.