In the rich history of the FIFA World Cup, we celebrate countless unforgettable moments: stunning goals, dramatic victories, the iconic trophy, and legendary players. Yet amongst these milestones, one quiet revolution took place in 1966, not on the pitch, but on paper, in the form of a cheerful, blue-jerseyed lion named World Cup Willie. As the very first official mascot in World Cup history, Willie was far more than a charming cartoon character or a clever marketing gimmick