Football fans all over the world are counting down to World Cup 2026.
Can Harry Kane and the rest of the team emulate the heroes of 1966 when the Three Lions lifted the trophy on home soil. Only time will tell.
But as we get ready for this year’s tournament which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, let’s have a look at some of the quirky events which came out of Sunderland and Roker Park that year.
For instance, we wonder if you knew that the Russian team ‘adopted’ a two year old local boy as their mascot, or that two Chile supporters brought a flag 5,000 miles with them to Sunderland.
And then there’s the tale of the Italian fans who came to watch their heroes - and they were a group of bakers who came to Wearside from Kendal.
We have these great facts and many more in this gallery of Sunderland Echo photo memories.
1. Italians who came all the way from - Kendal
One flag bearing crowd of Italians were waiters from an hotel in Keswick who had travelled to Sunderland for the day | Local Library
2. A trim for the World Cup
Durham hairdressers Jack Browns were happy in 1966. They had the Russian football team in to have their hair cuts 60 years ago. | se
3. Lev's big surprise
A group of Russian people came to Sunderland in 1966 and there was a fantastic surprise waiting for them when they visited Thorney Close Youth Centre. The legendary Russian goalkeeper Lev Yashin was there to greet them. | Local Library
4. Cameron was a hit with the Russians
One little Durham lad had a wonderful World Cup when he was 'adopted' by the Russian football team. The team had their training headquarters at Maiden Castle, Durham, where they posed for this squad photo. Pictured at the front of the team line-up is Cameron Henderson (2), son of Mr Alec Henderson, who was in charge of the sports centre. The Russians adopted Cameron as their mascot. | Local Library