Meet the 2026 FIFA World Cup Mascots: Clutch, Maple, and Zayu

With less than a year until kickoff, FIFA has unveiled Clutch, Maple and Zayu as the official mascots of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, representing host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament will begin on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca — recently renamed Estadio Banorte following a sponsorship agreement — and will mark the first World Cup featuring 48 national teams.

Mexico will host five matches in the capital, along with four in Monterrey and four in Zapopan. The United States and Canada will stage the remaining group-stage fixtures and knockout rounds.

Zayu represents Mexico’s cultural heritage

Zayu, a jaguar wearing Mexico’s green jersey with the number nine, was introduced as the country’s official mascot. According to FIFA, the character reflects Mexico’s cultural roots and vibrant spirit, drawing inspiration from the southern jungles of the country.

The name evokes themes of unity, strength and joy, and bears similarities to “Dzahui,” a Mixtec word meaning rain.

The jaguar has long held symbolic importance in Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya and Aztec cultures, where it represented power and leadership. Its image remains prominent in Mexican art and regional identity.

Zayu becomes the fourth feline mascot in World Cup history, following Willie (England 1966), Goleo VI (Germany 2006) and Zakumi (South Africa 2010).

Maple and Clutch complete the trio

Canada’s mascot, Maple, is depicted as a moose wearing national colors and positioned as a goalkeeper. The United States is represented by Clutch, a bald eagle portrayed as a midfielder.

FIFA said the mascots are designed to embody joy, excitement and unity across North America in a tournament that will be jointly hosted by three countries for the first time.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighted the role of the mascots in engaging younger generations, noting their presence will extend beyond stadiums and into digital platforms.

Digital integration and youth engagement

For the first time in World Cup history, the official mascots will appear as playable characters in an upcoming video game titled FIFA Heroes, scheduled for release in 2026 across major gaming consoles.

The initiative is part of FIFA’s broader digital strategy to connect the tournament experience with younger audiences and gaming communities worldwide.

A historic edition of the tournament

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in tournament history with 48 teams participating. Mexico will host the men’s World Cup for a third time (1970 and 1986), while Canada will host for the first time in the men’s competition.

With Clutch, Maple and Zayu now introduced, the visual identity of the 2026 tournament continues to take shape ahead of next summer’s opening match.