Revisiting Every Character Since 1966

Twenty-eight days, 32 teams, 64 matches, and one winner. Come December 18, and there will be a new World Cup champion if France fail to defend their title. It is the first time the tournament will be held in winter, causing all the major leagues worldwide to go on a break. The Qatar World Cup has already unveiled its mascot ‘Laʼeeb’. Every World Cup since 1966 has had a mascot which is a character that represents the culture of the country. The mascot could be inspired by their flora, fauna, fable, history, geography etc. 

Since their introduction, the mascots have been an integral part of the World Cup. Some of them are still fondly remembered by fans even years or decades after the World Cups. While some World Cups had only one mascot, sometimes multiple mascots have been introduced (the 2002 World Cup, for example).

So, here we look at the history of FIFA World Cup mascots.

1966 World Cup Mascot- World Cup Willie

The first World Cup to have a mascot was in 1966, which was held in England. It was named Willie after its designer Reg Hoye Willie; The mascot was a lion, a prestigious symbol in the United Kingdom, wearing a Union Jack with the words’ World Cup’ inscribed on them. Initially, there was little interest in the character. However, England’s victory made it famous, so fans still remember it today. 

6⃣6⃣ DAYS TO GO! 🏆🇷🇺

The first Official Mascot was World Cup Willie, back at England 1966 🙌🦁 pic.twitter.com/0Kpb6MRaPR

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 9, 2018

1970 World Cup Mascot- Juanito

The next World Cup was held in Mexico, the first to be held in North America. The mascot for the World Cup was ‘Juanito’. It was a boy who wore a green Mexico football jersey and a yellow sombrero, a traditional Mexico men’s hat with the words ‘Mexico 70’ written on them. The character represented Mexico’s culture and their relation with football.

Juanito, The Mascot for the 1970 World Cup held in Mexico#WorldCup #Mexico #Mascots pic.twitter.com/mozf8okOMf

— Football Memories (@footballmemorys) May 30, 2020

1974 World Cup Mascot- Tip and Tap 

The 1974 World Cup was held in Germany and saw the introduction of the legendary ‘Total Football‘ philosophy by the Netherlands. The mascot for the World Cup was Tip and Tap. They were two boys wearing Germany’s jerseys with black and blonde hair, respectively. On one of the jerseys, the word…