FIFA unveils World Cup mascots and one of them is a moose from Canada
FIFA has unveiled three mascots for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The tournament, which will be played from June 11 to July 19, is set to take place in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Given that there are three host countries, each mascot released by FIFA on Thursday represents one of the three North American countries.
The lineup of World Cup mascots (FIFA)
Representing Canada is Maple the Moose, a goalkeeper. FIFA describes Maple as “born to roam, journeying across all of Canada’s provinces and territories while connecting with people and embracing the country’s rich culture.”
FIFA adds that Maple is 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.”
Maple the Moose (FIFA)
Zayu the Jaguar is representing Mexico. Described as being “from the jungles of Southern Mexico,” the name Zayu is intended to inspire “unity, strength, and joy.”
“Zayu transforms on the pitch as a striker, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders,” FIFA said in a press release. “Off the pitch, Zayu embraces Mexican culture through dance, food and tradition, uniting people across borders with passion.”
Zayu the Jaguar (FIFA)
Representing the United States, Clutch the Bald Eagle.
A midfielder, Clutch is said to possess “an unquenchable thirst for adventure, soaring across the United States and embracing every culture, game and moment with boundless curiosity and optimism.”
Clutch the Bald Eagle (FIFA)
āThe 26 team has just got bigger ā and more fun! Maple, Zayu and Clutch are full of joy, energy and the spirit of togetherness, just like the FIFA World Cup itself,ā said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
āThe three mascots are central to the incredible, entertaining atmosphere weāre creating for this game-changing tournament. Theyāll win hearts and spark celebrations across North America and around the world. I can already picture them on childrenās shirts, high-fiving football legends andĀ āĀ in another first for this tournamentĀ āĀ starring in video games played by millions worldwide.ā
All three will become the first three FIFA competition mascots to be playable in FIFA Heroes,Ā a video game set to be released next year.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the largest in history, with 48 countries participating for the first time. It’s also the first World Cup with three host nations. Canada will host a total of 13 matches ā seven at BC Place in Vancouver and six at BMO Field in Toronto. FIFA has estimated that approximately 6.5 million fans are expected to attend the North American-hosted event.
- You might also like:
- These 10 countries had the most fans enter FIFA World Cup ticket lottery