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.
9. Souvenirs for the fans
Burdon House is a Grade II listed 3-storey building constructed between 1914 and 1917 for the North Eastern Railway Company. But in 1966, World Cup souvenirs of every kind were on display there for the thousands of supporters who were expected in the town. Pictured is Mrs Eyra Ford who ran the showroom. | se