FIFA presented the official mascots of the next 2026 World Cup, which will be organized by Canada, the United States and Mexico, and which represent a moose, an eagle and a jaguar, symbolic animals of these three countries.
«maplethe Canadian elk; Zayuthe Mexican jaguar, and Clutchthe American eagle, were created to bring to life the cultural richness, legacy and spirit of each host country, and to convey a message of unity, diversity and passion for the most popular sport in the world,” FIFA said in a statement.
The international football regulatory body presented the three mascots in a short video published on its social networks, in which it indicated that each of these animals occupies a different position on the field.
Maple, dressed in the red colors of Canada, wears the characteristic goalkeeper gloves, and stands out “for his creativity, resilience and authentic individualism,” according to FIFA.
While Zayu, who embodies “the valuable heritage and dynamism” of Mexico, plays as a forward, a position from which he “intimidates defenders with his exceptional agility and speed.”
Finally, Clutch is a midfielder who “leads by example, lifting his team’s spirits with energy and determination” and “has an overwhelming personality and loves sports.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted in the statement that the three animals “transmit joy, emotion and that spirit of unity that defines the FIFA World Cup” and will be an “essential element of the festive atmosphere” that will surround the tournament, which will be held between June 11 and July 19, 2026.
“I can already imagine them on children’s shirts, high-fiving with soccer legends and, for the first time, as protagonists of video games that millions of people will enjoy,” said Infantino, since the three animals will be in a FIFA video game that will be released next year.
The draw for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, in which 48 teams will participate for the first time, will take place on December 5 in the US capital Washington DC.
The Argentina team, led by star Lionel Messi, goes to the top soccer tournament as current champion after the title won at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
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