ไทย
English
中國人
Mascots have always played a vital role in shaping the FIFA World Cup's identity and marketing, giving each edition its own distinctive personality and cultural character.
Since the introduction of World Cup Willie—a lion sporting a Union Jack kit—at the 1966 tournament in England, mascots have grown into iconic symbols of their host countries. From France's cartoon rooster Footix in 1998 to South Africa's lively leopard Zakumi in 2010, each mascot has been crafted to reflect the culture, character, wildlife or spirit of the host nation, while also capturing the imagination of younger fans worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup follows this tradition, though this time the tournament boasts three mascots—one for each host nation: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
But who exactly are this year's mascots? Here, Sports Illustrated takes a deeper look.
2026 World Cup Mascots: Maple, Zayu & Clutch
First day of school with Maple, Zayu and Clutch ⭐ #WeAre26 | #FIFAWorldCup
The three mascots for the 2026 World Cup are Maple the Moose (Canada), Zayu the Jaguar (Mexico) and Clutch the Bald Eagle (United States).
Representing the tournament's three host nations, the soccer-playing trio each carry their own personalities and backstories rooted in the cultures of their respective countries.
According to FIFA, Maple the Moose is a "street style-loving artist" and committed goalkeeper who has journeyed across Canada embracing the nation's diverse culture while blending "legendary saves" with creativity and leadership.
Zayu the Jaguar, meanwhile, hails from the jungles of southern Mexico and embodies the country's "rich heritage and vibrant spirit." The nimble striker is said to represent "unity, strength and joy," while honoring Mexican dance, food and tradition.
Finally, Clutch the Bald Eagle represents the United States with what FIFA describes as an "unquenchable thirst for adventure." A passionate midfielder and born leader, Clutch is depicted as someone who "unites people wherever they go" through sport, energy and optimism.
Full List of Official World Cup Mascots
World Cup | Mascot(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
1966 England | World Cup Willie | A lion clad in a Union Jack shirt, making history as the first-ever World Cup mascot and one of the most memorable. |
1970 Mexico | Juanito | A cheerful young boy in a Mexico kit and sombrero, celebrating the host nation's culture. |
1974 West Germany | Tip and Tap | Twin cartoon boys wearing "WM" and "74" shirts, representing friendship and togetherness. |
1978 Argentina | Gauchito | A young Argentine boy dressed in traditional gaucho attire, complete with hat and scarf. |
1982 Spain | Naranjito | An orange wearing a soccer kit and holding a ball, inspired by one of Spain's most celebrated exports. |
1986 Mexico | Pique | A jalapeño pepper sporting a sombrero and mustache, nodding to Mexican cuisine and culture. |
1990 Italy | Ciao | A stick-figure player rendered in the colors of the Italian flag with a soccer ball for a head. |
1994 United States | Striker | A cartoon dog outfitted in a USA soccer uniform, created to connect with younger fans. |
1998 France | Footix | A cartoon rooster drawn from France's national symbol, dressed in a blue jersey. |
2002 South Korea & Japan | Ato, Kaz and Nik | Futuristic orange, purple and blue creatures from an imaginary world called "Atmoball." |
2006 Germany | Goleo VI | A lion dressed in a Germany shirt, accompanied by a talking soccer ball named Pille. |
2010 South Africa | Zakumi | A green-haired leopard whose name blended "ZA" for South Africa and "kumi," meaning 10 in several African languages. |
2014 Brazil | Fuleco | A Brazilian three-banded armadillo, selected to raise awareness about environmental issues. |
2018 Russia | Zabivaka | A wolf wearing sports goggles whose name loosely translates to "the one who scores." |
2022 Qatar | La'eeb | A floating, keffiyeh-inspired character described by FIFA as originating from the "mascot-verse." |
2026 United States, Canada & Mexico | Maple the Moose, Zayu the Jaguar & Clutch the Bald Eagle | A trio representing the three host nations, each inspired by national culture, wildlife and identity. |
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
Barnaby Lane is a seasoned sports journalist who has contributed to The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to interview some of the most prominent figures in global sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and many more.