FIFA World Cup mascots - The best and worst mascots from previous World Cups

Footix (1998, France)

A rooster, one of France’s national symbols, was chosen as the mascot of the 1998 World Cup, with Footix, as it was called, having a blue body much like France’s kit, a yellow beak and red feathers.

The name Footix was chosen after 47 percent of the 18,500 respondents to a vote chose it over the likes of Zimbo, Houpi, Raffy and Gallik.

Ato, Kaz and Nik – The Spheriks (2002, South Korea and Japan)

The first World Cup in Asia saw Japan and South Korea create a futuristic design for their mascot, as orange, purple and blue creatures were made by the organisers.

The concept of the mascot was that the Spheriks were members of an ‘Atmoball’ team, the sport being a imaginary football-like game, with Ato the coach, and Kaz and Nik the players.

The names of the Spheriks were chosen by the countries’ public after over 980,000 votes were cast.