Three Mascots, Three Nations, One Global Celebration
Fewer than nine months before the June 11 opener, FIFA has unveiled the lineup of mascots for the 2026 World Cup—the first-ever edition staged across three countries. Fans will meet Clutch, a bald eagle soaring for the U.S., Zayu, a jaguar prowling for Mexico, and Maple, a moose representing Canada’s wild side.
More than playful characters, these mascots serve as cultural ambassadors. Clutch channels American resilience and freedom, Zayu nods to Mexico’s vibrant wildlife, and Maple highlights Canada’s majestic landscapes. Together, they set the stage for a tournament where sport, culture and global unity intertwine.
A quick look back: At the 194 World Cup in the U.S., fans chose Striker the dog from over 25,000 entries. While Striker kicked off a mascot legacy, Clutch, Zayu and Maple are poised to engage a new generation of digital-savvy global citizens.
With fan zones, AR experiences and social media buzz on the horizon, these three ambassadors will guide supporters through a World Cup designed to bring communities together across borders.
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Meet mascots for 2026 FIFA World Cup: bald eagle, jaguar and moose
cgtn.com
