FIFA Unveils USA, Canada, Mexico Mascots in Photo for 2026 World Cup

FIFA pulled back the curtain on its three official mascots for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Athletic's Adam Crafton shared the details on Clutch, Zayu, and Maple, which are intended to represent each host county. Clutch, a bald eagle, represents the U.S. Mexico has Zayu the jaguar. And Canada is symbolized through Maple the moose.

The bald eagle is the United States' national bird and the animal most synonymous with the U.S., while the moose occupies a similar standing in Canada. The jaguar's connection to Mexico goes back centuries.

"Ancient civilizations of Mexico, such as the Maya, bestowed huge significance upon the jaguar, linking it to the underworld and symbolizing strength and bravery," Crafton wrote.

FIFA went even further by assigning positions to the three mascots. Maple is a goalkeeper, Clutch is a midfielder, and Zayu is a striker.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the mascots will add to the overall World Cup experience.

"Maple, Zayu and Clutch are full of joy, energy and the spirit of togetherness, just like the FIFA World Cup itself," he said, per Crafton. "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."

The 2026 tournament is the first since FIFA increased the number of teams from 32 to 48. As the hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States have already qualified.

The World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, and culminate in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.