Mascots are integral to the FIFA World Cup and other major sporting events. These lovable characters serve multiple essential purposes. Firstly, mascots create a sense of identity and unity among fans and players. They embody the spirit and culture of the host nation, providing a visual representation of the tournament’s theme.
Mascots also play a crucial role in promoting the event. They become the face of the World Cup, appearing on merchandise, promotional materials, and advertising campaigns on Satbet and other betting sites. Their widespread recognition helps generate excitement and anticipation leading up to the tournament, contributing to ticket sales and global viewership.
In essence, mascots bring the World Cup to life, infusing it with:
- character;
- culture;
- and enthusiasm.
They serve as ambassadors for the tournament and enhance the overall experience for everyone involved, making them an indispensable part of the world’s most significant football celebration.
Willie the Lion (1966 World Cup, England)
The first-ever World Cup was held back in 1930, and the first official mascot appeared 36 years later. In 1966, England hosted visitors from all over the world. Millions of people came to support their countries in a game invented in England. Now, the tournament hosts decided it was time to create something new. The championship, held in the homeland of football, had to be memorable for everyone. So, the first mascot in the history of the World Cup appeared – it was a lion, the national symbol of Great Britain. The king of beasts was named Willie and brought good luck to the hosts. England won the World Cup in 1966. To this day, this title is the only one in the national team’s history.
Juanito Boy (1970 World Cup, Mexico)
Since 1966, each World Cup host has had to present its mascot. The symbol of the 1970 tournament in Mexico was chosen not by some formidable beast but by a simple boy, Juanito, who wholeheartedly supported his favourite team. His name is a diminutive of the often found in Spanish “Juan”. The mascot’s presence brought success to the hosts, although less glorious than four years ago. The Mexican team achieved the highest achievement at the World Cup – reached the quarterfinals. The Brazilian team won the World Cup with the great Pele.
Type and Top (World Cup 1974, Germany)
In 1974, the Germans used the Mexican concept. For the first time at the World Cup, there were two mascots at once – inseparable fans Tip and Top, dressed in T-shirts with the letters WM (short for Weltmeisterschaft, which in German means “World Cup” and the number 74. This time, the mascot again brought good luck to the tournament hostess. The Germans won the final against the Netherlands (2:1) and left the cup in the FRG.
Gauchito (1978 World Cup, Argentina)
The football celebration returned to a Latin American country, this time in Argentina. The mascot looked like Mexican Juanito. The organizers gave the boy a national flavour and dressed him in their team’s colours. Unlike his Mexican friend, Gauchito helped his team win the tournament. Argentina defeated the Netherlands in the final (3-1 in extra time). The trophy once again stayed in the territory of the championship hosts.
Naranjito (1982 World Cup, Spain)
For the first time in the history of the World Cup, an orange (Spanish naranja) became the tournament’s mascot. The smiling fruit was dressed in the uniform of the Spanish national team, which caused a very mixed reaction in public circles. Some country residents assumed that Naranjito – a symbol of protest against the increased export of foreign goods to the Pyrenees. The team’s performance did not please the public either; the Red Fury failed to overcome the group stage without a single victory in the tournament.
Pique (World Cup 1986, Mexico).
No, he wasn’t named after the former Barcelona central defender. The name of the 1986 World Cup mascot comes from the Spanish picante, generalizing the name for spices. And the hero himself appeared as a hot pepper. And yes, the championship was again hosted by Mexico, where this time the great Diego Maradona shone, who won the cup for Argentina. The tournament hosts again stopped at the quarterfinal stage, losing to Germany in a penalty shootout. Since then, the limit of possibilities for Mexico – 1/8 finals of the World Cup.
Ciao (1990 World Cup, Italy).
Italy presented an unusual variant. The image of the World Cup 1990 symbol was a little man painted in the colours of the Italian flag, with a ball instead of a head. Easy and memorable name Ciao is the most popular word among the country’s inhabitants, and they decided by voting that this is what they will call their mascot. Italy did not become the champion but achieved a good result, winning bronze medals. In the fight for third place, the Italians outplayed the English (2:1).
Striker (1994 World Cup, USA)
In the USA, the tournament organizers decided to rely on professionals and set the task of designing a mascot for Disney Studios. The dog Striker, dressed in a football uniform in the colours of the US flag, caused an absolute sensation among fans. For the first time, the creators could make money on toys, which instantly flew off the shelves of stores. Striker brought its creators more than $11 million! Americans did not make a sensation on the football field, but for the first time reached the 1/8 finals. At this stage, the US national team lost to the future winner of the tournament – Brazil (0:1).