Dog named Pickles retrieves stolen World Cup trophy before 1966 tournament

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 9:29 PM

Last updated Jun 22, 2026

Dog named Pickles retrieves stolen World Cup trophy before 1966 tournament
Summary

The FIFA World Cup trophy was stolen on March 20, 1966, from Westminster Central Hall in London, just months before the tournament. A ransom note was sent three days later, leading police on a chase that included an undercover operation. The trophy was famously recovered by a dog named Pickles after it was found in bushes near his owner's home. Pickles' discovery took place a week later, allowing the trophy to return to public display before England won the tournament in July 1966.

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By the Numbers
  • World Cup trophy stolen just before the 1966 tournament.
  • A ransom note was received three days later.
  • Pickles the dog found the trophy during a walk.
  • England won its first World Cup title in July 1966.
  • The trophy was stolen again in Brazil in 1983.
Latest Updates
  • 9:29 PMYahoo SportsThe World Cup trophy was stolen 60 years ago, but a dog saved the day
What they're saying
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Disaster struck when the World Cup trophy was stolen four months before the 1966 FIFA World Cup began.

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