FIFA unveils three mascots for the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup already has its protagonists both on and off the field. FIFA officially introduced its three mascots: Clutch, Zayu, and Maple, representing the host countries United States, Mexico, and Canada, respectively. Far from being just a cute drawing, each character was designed with its own narrative and even a defined playing position.

Clutch, the bald eagle, is in charge of representing the United States. He wears the alternative blue jersey of the national team and was chosen for its symbolic weight: it has been the official national bird since 2024 and a central figure in the Great Seal of the country since 1782. On the field, he is presented as a midfielder with "an insatiable thirst for adventure", who travels all over the U.S. embracing cultures and cheering on his team.

Maple, the moose, is Canada's mascot. With the home red jersey, he is described as a goalkeeper who travels all the provinces and territories of the country, connected with Canadian culture and the maple leaf, a national symbol. According to FIFA, Maple is "an urban style-loving artist, music enthusiast, and dedicated goalkeeper", with a knack for legendary saves and a spirit of leadership.

Last but not least is Zayu, the jaguar, who brings Mexico to life. He wears green, like the national flag, and is inspired by the ancestral symbolism of the Mayan civilizations, where this animal represented strength, bravery, and connection with the underworld. In his role on the field, he embodies the claw and the combative spirit that identifies Mexican soccer culture.

With these three mascots, FIFA seeks to give cultural identity to the first World Cup with three host countries, in a tournament that will have 48 teams, more venues than ever, and promises to be historic not only for what happens on the pitch, but also for what surrounds the spectacle.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington DC, on December 5. Meanwhile, the ecumenical meeting will begin on June 11 and end on July 19.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.