FIFA has unveiled the official mascots for the 2026 World Cup, with each host nation represented by a unique character. Maple the Moose stands for Canada, Zayu the Jaguar for Mexico, and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the United States, reflecting cultural diversity and shared passion for the global game. The 2026 World Cup kicks off next June.
FIFATrio of national symbols
In a departure from previous World Cup tournaments featuring a single mascot, FIFA has created three distinct characters to represent the first-ever World Cup hosted by three nations. Maple the Moose serves as Canada's ambassador, taking the position of goalkeeper. For Mexico, Zayu the Jaguar represents the nation's rich heritage as a striker, drawing inspiration from the animal's significance in ancient Mayan culture. Clutch the Bald Eagle is a midfielder and highlights the togetherness that all players of that position brings on the pitch.
AdvertisementMascots' role in promoting tournament's inclusive spirit
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the mascots' significance in embodying the tournament's core values. Each character features a detailed backstory connecting them to their respective nations' geography and culture.
“The 26 team has just got bigger – and more fun! Maple, Zayu and Clutch are full of joy, energy and the spirit of togetherness, just like the FIFA World Cup itself,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said as per FIFA's official website.
“The three mascots are central to the incredible, entertaining atmosphere we’re creating for this game-changing tournament. They’ll win hearts and spark celebrations across North America and around the world. I can already picture them on children’s shirts, high-fiving football legends and – in another first for this tournament – starring in video games played by millions worldwide.”
FIFA Heroes game marks first playable World Cup mascots
The 2026 mascots will make history as the first FIFA competition mascots to be playable characters in a video game. The arcade-style, five-a-side football title FIFA Heroes will launch in 2026 across multiple platforms including Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Developed and published by ENVER in partnership with Solace, the game will allow players to build squads featuring both the 2026 mascots and previous World Cup mascots.
Getty Images SportRoblox platform extends mascots' digital presence
Beyond FIFA Heroes, the mascots will also appear in FIFA Super League Soccer on Roblox, developed in collaboration with Gamefam. The popular gaming platform will host special quests highlighting each mascot's unique role on the pitch, with themed rewards available for completion. This multi-platform approach extends the World Cup experience beyond traditional viewing formats.
