The 2026 World Cup is the first edition of the tournament to have three official mascots, one for each host nation, and FIFA gave each of them a name, a personality and even a playing position. Meet Maple, Zayu and Clutch: a Canadian moose, a Mexican jaguar and an American bald eagle who together form the spine of a football team, from goalkeeper through midfield to striker. It is a fitting symbol for the first World Cup co-hosted by three countries.

Maple represents Canada. A red moose named for the maple leaf, Maple is cast as the trio's goalkeeper, described by FIFA as a street-style-loving artist and music enthusiast who combines creativity with resilience. The character leans into modern, expressive design, a deliberate choice to connect with younger fans, and embodies the leadership and individuality FIFA wanted from Canada's mascot.

Zayu represents Mexico. An agile jaguar dressed in green, Zayu plays as the striker of the trio and draws on deep cultural roots: the jaguar held sacred significance in Mexico's ancient civilizations, symbolizing strength, agility and pride. FIFA describes the character as embodying unity, strength and joy, celebrating Mexican dance, food and tradition while bringing the fearless energy of a center-forward.

Clutch represents the United States. A bald eagle in the blue of the USMNT, Clutch plays in midfield, the position that links a team together, and symbolizes courage, leadership and unity. FIFA portrays the character as endlessly curious and optimistic, an adventurer who travels the country uniting people through sport, energy and optimism, which is exactly what a midfielder is supposed to do.

Together, the three mascots are more than decoration. They headline merchandise, fan-zone appearances and FIFA's digital content, and they star in FIFA's arcade-style video game tie-ins aimed at younger audiences. For a tournament spread across sixteen cities in three countries, having three distinct faces gives every host nation a character of its own while keeping the trio's shared identity intact.

Mascots have been part of World Cup culture since World Cup Willie the lion in 1966, and each generation of fans has its favorite. Whether Maple, Zayu and Clutch join the all-time greats will be decided in the stands this summer, alongside the tournament's new traditions and the kits the players will wear.