Trio of Mascots Unveiled for FIFA World Cup 2026

A moose, a jaguar and a bald eagle walk into a soccer tournament — stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

On Thursday, September 25, the organizers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup unveiled the trio of mascots for next summer’s tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. There’s a mascot representing each of the host countries, and FIFA said in a press release that all three “have been thoughtfully developed to reflect the vibrant culture, heritage and spirit of their respective countries, coming together to symbolise unity, diversity and the shared passion for the beautiful game.”

Allow us to officially introduce ourselves. #WeAre26 | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 25, 2025

“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. 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.”
— Gianni Infantino, President, FIFA

As Infantino alludes to, all three mascots will be playable characters in the new FIFA-licensed video game, FIFA Heroes, which launches in 2026 for Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. “FIFA Heroes is an arcade-style, fast-paced five-a-side football title with fantasy flair. Players can build squads packed with several of the FIFA World Cup™ mascots (past and present), football’s biggest icons and their favourite fictional characters from popular TV shows and films.”

Here’s a closer look at each mascot and what FIFA had to say about them:

🇨🇦 MAPLE THE MOOSE 🇨🇦

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. A street style-loving artist, music enthusiast and dedicated goalkeeper, Maple found purpose through creativity, resilience and unapologetic individuality. With a knack for making legendary saves and a heart full of strength and leadership, Maple combines endless stories and unstoppable flair.

*Courtesy **@fifaworldcup** / Instagram*

🇲🇽 ZAYU THE JAGUAR 🇲🇽

Zayu the Jaguar, from the jungles of southern Mexico, embodies the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the country. With a name inspired by unity, strength and joy, Zayu transforms on the pitch as 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. More than an athlete, Zayu is a symbol of cultural celebration and connection, carrying the heart of Mexico with pride.

🇺🇸 CLUTCH THE BALD EAGLE 🇺🇸

Clutch the Bald Eagle possesses an unquenchable thirst for adventure, soaring across the United States and embracing every culture, game and moment with boundless curiosity and optimism. 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.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks on June 11, 2026, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The final is slated for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Other matches will be held in Los Angeles; the San Francisco Bay Area; Seattle; Vancouver; Dallas; Guadalajara; Houston; Kansas City; Monterrey; Atlanta; Boston; Miami; Philadelphia; and Toronto.

This will be the first World Cup contested under a new 48-team format. So far, 18 teams have qualified for the tournament, including the three host nations, who will all play their group stage matches on home soil. The draw to determine the groups will take place on December 5 in Washington, D.C.