Football Extra: Readers Share Their Priceless World Cup Memorabilia
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup edges towards its climax, nostalgia is in the air. The BBC’s Football Extra newsletter invited readers to submit images of their most cherished World Cup memorabilia, and the response has been a heartwarming journey through football history—from 1966 to 2010.
“If you would like your memorabilia added, please email us at football. extra@bbc. com,” the newsletter urged. Fans delivered, sharing everything from match tickets and programmes to mascots, stamps, and even vuvuzelas.
A Mascot 60 Years Young
Jean Collier sent in a photo of her original World Cup Willie, the lion mascot from the 1966 tournament hosted and won by England.
“Meet 60-year-old World Cup Willie. In 1966 I lived near Wembley Stadium and went to many games there including the final,” she wrote. “He's definitely showing his age (as am I!), but I'm hoping he'll continue to bring England luck from his current home in Wilmington NC, USA.”
Tickets and Memories from the Final
Mike Davis attended every England group game and all knockout rounds, culminating in the legendary final against West Germany.
“The cost of all the tickets, standing, was 3 pounds, 17 shillings and 6 pence,” he recalled.He even got to discuss that famous quarter-final against Argentina with Geoff Hurst years later.
“Years later, I met Geoff Hurst and he told me that the game they were most worried about was the quarter-final against Argentina. We won that game 1-0 with a late goal. Oh for the same this time around,”Davis added, with an eye on England’s current semi-final.
A Semi-Final Ticket and a Fallen Tree
Martin Bisset shared his father’s ticket to the 1966 semi-final. In a charming aside, he recalled:
“He didn't go to the final for some reason. However, in later years he told me we watched the final on the TV with my brothers, and it was the same day he chopped a tree down in the garden. I was 4½ and remember him chopping the tree down but not watching the final!”Now, with England in yet another semi-final, Bisset plans to watch the match with his daughter and his five-day-old grandchild, hoping history repeats.
Stamps, Coins, and Beer Mats
Ken Addy showcased treasures from three World Cups: special “England Winners” stamps from 1966, Esso petrol station coins from the 1970 tournament, and beer mats swapped with a German fan in a Blyth pub ahead of the 1974 edition.
“1974 - swapping beer mats with a German kid in a pub in Blyth (the town now known for Big Dan Burn),”Addy noted, blending football nostalgia with local pride.
Programmes Across Decades
Mark Holloran sent a gallery of programmes from 1970 and 1978. The 1970 official guide, he noted, was packed with small print and cigarette advertisements—a sign of the times. His 1978 pre-tournament programme for England vs Hungary made for bittersweet reading, as England ultimately failed to qualify for the finals in Argentina.
The Buzz of 2010
South Africa’s 2010 World Cup made its mark through Leslie McGowan’s vivid photo of a miner’s hard hat carved from plastic and a collection of vuvuzelas.
“[It was] absolutely the best and most exciting Sporting event in South Africa ever,”McGowan wrote. The tournament, won by Spain, is remembered for its cacophony and color.
Look Ahead, Collect the Present
The newsletter also hinted at keepsakes from the ongoing 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“You might have also collected eye-catching memorabilia from the current World Cup... a Lionel Messi cup, Jude Bellingham key chain or Lamine Yamal scarf?”the BBC suggested. As new stars write their headlines, fans are already building their own collections.
For those eager to secure their own piece of 2026, official merchandise outlets and stadium vendors remain the go-to sources—but in decades to come, these items may just become the cherished memorabilia of tomorrow. If you wish to contribute your own stories, email football. extra@bbc. com.
