1966 World Cup Mascot Button

February 10, 2011
WORLD CUP WILLIE

Photo by Leo Reynolds

All traditions have to start somewhere. The tradition of creating a mascot for each FIFA World Cup tournament began in 1966 when World Cup Willie was created to represent England, the host country that year.

This button (or badge as they call them in the U.K.) is part of an extensive collection the owner has had since childhood.