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When football became a weapon of the Cold War

When football became a weapon of the Cold War

Tony Shaw and Alan McDougall reveal how the great ideological battle between east and west was waged on the football pitch

Spencer Mizen

Published: July 6, 2026 at 5:02 PM

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The Cold War cast a shadow over all aspects of life – including the world's favourite sport. All sides of the ideological divide used football to score political goals.

Tony Shaw and Alan McDougall talk Spencer Mizen through some of the most explosive Cold War footballing clashes in a story that takes in Pele, Eusebio, North Korean upsets and a galloping major.

Authors

Spencer MizenSenior production editor

Spencer is senior production editor of HistoryExtra magazine