Mascots of the World Cup Maple the Moose (L), Zayu the Jaguar (C) and Clutch the Bald Eagle pose for a picture during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers semi-final playoff football match between New Caledonia and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico on March 26, 2026.
Image: Ulises Ruiz / AFP
From moustachioed jalapeño peppers and anthropomorphic cockerels to armadillos, stick figures and quirky, unnamed creatures, FIFA World Cup mascots have become a memorable part of football culture over the years.
Fans have seen iconic mascots such as Italy 1990’s Ciao, USA 1994’s Striker and Qatar 2022’s La’eeb capture the spirit of each tournament in unique ways.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, FIFA has introduced three new mascots representing each host nation.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 mascots (L-R), Maple the Moose (Canada), Zayu the Jaguar (Mexico), and Clutch the Bald Eagle (US) pose on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the draw for the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico, at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025.
Image: Roberto Schmidt / AFP
Maple the Moose represents Canada as a stylish goalkeeper who loves street culture. Maple the Moose was born to roam, journeying across all of Canada’s provinces and territories while connecting with people and embracing the country’s rich culture.
With a knack for making legendary saves and a heart full of strength and leadership, Maple combines endless stories and unstoppable flair.
Mexico’s mascot, Zayu the Jaguar, is a fearless striker from the south of the country. Zayu's name is inspired by unity, strength and joy,
On the pitch, Zayu transforms into a striker, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders. Off the pitch, Zayu embraces Mexican culture through dance, food and tradition, uniting people across borders with passion and pride.
Meanwhile, Clutch the Bald Eagle represents the United States as an adventurous midfielder known for teamwork, optimism and high energy.
Fearless on the pitch and uplifting off it, Clutch leads by action — rallying teammates, lifting spirits and turning every challenge into an opportunity to rise higher. A social spark and sports fanatic, Clutch, like all great midfielders, unites people wherever they go, proving that true flight is about purpose, passion, and play.
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