Soccer
World cup stories: From World Cup Willie to a cheeky chilli, ranking all the tournament mascots
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The World Cup season is full of traditions, whether it's the collection of new kits, a tournament anthem or whatever new technology Adidas has used to create the latest match ball.
But perhaps everyone's favourite of all traditions is the official tournament mascot. Since 1966, every World Cup has been blessed with its own unique character as a symbol and flavour of each finals.
This summer, expect to see a lot of the 2026 mascots: Canada's Maple the Moose, Mexico's Zayu the Jaguar, and the United States' Clutch the Bald Eagle.
Over the years, mascots have come in all shapes and sizes, and some more confusing than others. So, here then is DAZN News' ranking of every World Cup mascot in the tournament's history, leaving off 2026's trio as we wait to see what impact they have this year.
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15
1978 - Gauchito
Mascots were still very much in their infancy in the 1970s, which goes some way to explaining this effort from Argentina.
It's just a boy, wearing the colours of the host nation. Not very original and not very memorable either. Although props for making him a left-footer, maybe a premonition of Lionel Messi?
14
1970 - Juanito
Much like in Argentina, Mexico didn't put in much effort to give us this dude for the 1970 tournament.
Only ranking higher due to its giant sombrero...and who doesn't like one of those? And the fact that the shirt is riding up a little, like he's had one too many fajitas.
13
2006 - Goleo and Pille
Our first animal entry and the worst of its genre, Germany's lion and friend from 2006. Firstly, it's somewhat odd that an animal with no real ties to the country was chosen, and then they made him look more like a giant, fuzzy bear than the king of the jungle.
Adding some classic Euro fun to the team was Pille, a football with a piercing smiling face and eyes. Making the tandem look very much like a cheap knock-off of a 90s kids TV show.
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12
2018 - Zabivaka
This was chosen from an internet poll, and there's nothing particularly bad about the Russia wolf, but it didn't seem to take over the tournament like other mascots have.
There's also something about the character that screams winter Olympics, maybe the russian climate or maybe the ski-like goggles?
11
1974 - Tip and Tap
Back to simpler times in mascot design, but the best of the 'people' bunch from the decade in Tip and Tap.
Once again, the crop tops are out. Was this a fad in the 70s? But they chart above their fellow human friends, down to having a bit more character and a look like a comic strip we might have read when we were younger.
10
2022 - La'eeb
Props to Saudi Arabia for keeping it cultural with its mascot representing the keffiyeh, a man's national headress, but it still didn't quite hit the mark.
The design came out looking more like a friend of Casper the Friendly Ghost, especially as the character has no arms or legs - how was it supposed to play football?
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9
2010 - Zakumi
South Africa brought us the first African World Cup and a mascot that paid homage to its safari kingdom.
A leopard that was decked out in the colours of the country's sports teams, with its luxurious green locks even getting its own TV series. Put this one in the full-marks-for-trying category.
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8
2014 - Fuleco
Much like its predecessor, Brazil went with the same remit in 2014, bringing a national animal to life in mascot form for their turn to host the tournament.
Fuleco was an armadillo, a species that was endangered at the time, so he had hidden depths to his friendly persona. It certainly took over the finals, with his presence keenly felt that summer.
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7
2002- Ato, Kaz and Nik
You can always rely on Asia to come up with something slightly out of the norm, and the mascots for Japan and South Korea's 2002 hosting are unlike any others we've seen in this domain.
The three crazy characters are the coach and manager from the futuristic game of Atmosball! No, makes no sense. But they certainly lit up the World Cup.
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6
1982 - Narajito
Then again, who needs left field when you can just make your mascot in the form of the country's favourite fruit! Yep, our first edible entry dates back to 1982, when Spain decided that oranges were the ideal delicacy to represent the country.
Not something everyone immediately associates with Spain, especially food-wise, but who cares because it adds to the oddity of this frankly frightening giant fruit.
5
1994 -Stiker
The first World Cup in the US was all about Americana, and they pulled out all the stops to make it a tournament to remember - including a mascot that wouldn't have been out of place in Disney World.
In fact, the dog, aptly named Striker, was created by a former Warner Bros. employee, and the canine was everywhere that summer, when merchandise really went to the next level.
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4
1990 - Ciao
Want an image to sum up the cool Art Deco feel of the early 1990s? Look no further than the fancy stickman that symbolised this World Cup.
Decked out in the colours of the Italian flag and with a football for a head, Ciao is the only mascot in World Cup history not to have a face. But why do you need one when you're as iconic as this?
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3
1986 - Pique
Mexico got a second attempt at a mascot in 1986, and where they went safe in 1970, they pressed the full-on stereotype button this time around to create this dude.
That is indeed a jalapeño pepper, with a sombrero and a massive handlebar moustache. What more could you want from a character to showcase a tournament in the country?
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2
1966 - World Cup Willie
Sometimes you just can't beat an original, and 1966's creation still comes close to being the best ever.
A lion makes sense as it was hosted by the Three Lions, and it's in keeping with what a lion should actually look like. We can forgive the Union Jack as it was a sign of the times and gave Will the ultimate attire, too.
1
1998 - Footix
Colours of the host nation? Check. An animal that you associate with the country? Check. The official match ball in tow? Check. And a name that cleverly puns the sport? Check again.
Footrix was everywhere in the summer of '98, and his happy smiling face was supported by one of the great tournaments, too. So far, the GOAT of World Cup mascots.
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