Maple, Zayu and Clutch: the three 2026 World Cup mascots

The 2026 World Cup is the first in history to have three official mascots, one for each co-host, unveiled by FIFA in September 2025. The soccer-playing trio is Maple the Moose for Canada, Zayu the Jaguar for Mexico and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the United States — and, fittingly for the tournament, each one even has a position on the pitch.

Maple the Moose represents Canada. An anthropomorphic moose dressed in red, Maple is the trio's goalkeeper and is meant to embody creativity and resilience, drawing on the maple leaf that anchors Canada's flag and identity. Zayu the Jaguar represents Mexico, wearing the famous green kit and the No. 9 as a forward. The jaguar is an elusive big cat from the south of the country and a sacred symbol across Mexico's ancient civilizations — a natural fit for the nation that opens the tournament.

Clutch the Bald Eagle represents the United States and lines up in midfield — a deliberate choice, casting the US as the connective, unifying presence linking the three host countries together. The midfield role is the metaphor: the eagle holds the trio's shape just as the central host holds the tournament together. Together, the three mark a first for the competition and a nod to a World Cup that itself spans a whole continent.

Mascots set the mood; the football decides everything else. See which of the 48 nations our model actually favours in the 2026 World Cup predictions, explore all the teams, or play the knockouts yourself in the match simulator.