1. World Cup Willie, England 1966
THE first mascot to be used in a major sporting event and by far the best of the lot.
Willie was also the subject of a World Cup song and countless merchandise spin-offs.
And of course this was the World Cup that England won — enough said!
2. Ciao, Italy 1990
THIS minimalist design classic could only come from Italy.
This was the tournament where England reached the semi-finals only to be cruelly dumped out on penalties by old foes the Germans.
Nostalgia — we love it!
THIS minimalist design classic could only come from Italy.
This was the tournament where England reached the semi-finals only to be cruelly dumped out on penalties by old foes the Germans.
Nostalgia — we love it!
3. Pique, Mexico 1986
THE Mexicans paved the way in reinforcing national stereotypes with Pique.
To be fair, they were handed the World Cup after Colombia pulled out and probably had little time to prepare.
Which may explain why their mascot is a jalapeno pepper sporting a moustache and wearing a sombrero hat.
Ole!
THE Mexicans paved the way in reinforcing national stereotypes with Pique.
To be fair, they were handed the World Cup after Colombia pulled out and probably had little time to prepare.
Which may explain why their mascot is a jalapeno pepper sporting a moustache and wearing a sombrero hat.
Ole!
4. Gauchito, Argentina 1978
THIS classic design features a happy child, this time wearing an Argentina kit.
He sports a hat, neckerchief and whip which are apparently typical of a gaucho — a kind of South American cowboy.
The host nation, featuring Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa, won this one.
THIS classic design features a happy child, this time wearing an Argentina kit.
He sports a hat, neckerchief and whip which are apparently typical of a gaucho — a kind of South American cowboy.
The host nation, featuring Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa, won this one.
5. Juanito, Mexico 1970
THIS smug-looking little chap is wearing a Mexico kit and a sombrero.
The greatest World Cup of them all, featuring defending champions England who lost to eventual winners Brazil.
This was a record third win for the Samba stars, who got to take the famous Jules Rimet Cup home with them.
THIS smug-looking little chap is wearing a Mexico kit and a sombrero.
The greatest World Cup of them all, featuring defending champions England who lost to eventual winners Brazil.
This was a record third win for the Samba stars, who got to take the famous Jules Rimet Cup home with them.
6. Naranjito, Spain 1982
ALL hail the Spanish who provided the 1982 tournament with a smiley orange.
Credit to them for putting their faith in a jolly citrus fruit with red cheeks.
The Spanish made a swift exit after the second phase of the tournament.
They weren't as good then as they are now.
ALL hail the Spanish who provided the 1982 tournament with a smiley orange.
Credit to them for putting their faith in a jolly citrus fruit with red cheeks.
The Spanish made a swift exit after the second phase of the tournament.
They weren't as good then as they are now.
7. Tip and Tap, West Germany 1974
NOW this is a creepy one.
It shows two little boys, wearing tiny shirts, who are far too happy.
The Germans won this one, dispatching everyone's second favourite team Holland in the final.
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