WORLD football governing organisation FIFA has revealed the official mascots for the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament, scheduled for the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, will be the largest in history with 48 teams participating, and it is also the first time three countries are co-hosting.
“In a celebration as bold and boundary-breaking as the tournament itself, FIFA today unveiled the three Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Mascots, each highlighting one of the host nations of the world’s greatest sporting event,” FIFA said in a press release made available to Naija Times today.
“Maple™ the Moose (Canada), Zayu™ the Jaguar (Mexico) and Clutch™ the Bald Eagle (United States) have been thoughtfully developed to reflect the vibrant culture, heritage and spirit of their respective countries, coming together to symbolise unity, diversity and the shared passion for the beautiful game.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The 26 team has just got bigger – and more fun! Maple, Zayu and Clutch are full of joy, energy and the spirit of togetherness, just like the FIFA World Cup itself.
“The three mascots are central to the incredible, entertaining atmosphere we’re creating for this game-changing tournament.
“They’ll win hearts and spark celebrations across North America and around the world. 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.”
In the spirit of connecting with young fans, Maple, Zayu and Clutch will become the first FIFA competition mascots to be playable, in the all-new FIFA-licensed title, FIFA Heroes, launching next year, the global body explained.
“The game is part of FIFA’s growing portfolio under the FIFAe umbrella, aimed at making digital football accessible to more fans, on more platforms and in more flavours,” FIFA added.
“Developed and published by ENVER in partnership with Solace, FIFA Heroes is an arcade-style, fast-paced five-a-side football title with fantasy flair.
“Players can build squads packed with several of the FIFA World Cup™ mascots (past and present), football’s biggest icons and their favourite fictional characters from popular TV shows and films.
“FIFA Heroes is set for kick-off in 2026 on Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox.
“FIFA Super League Soccer on Roblox, which has been developed in collaboration with Gamefam, will also host quests highlighting each mascot’s role on the pitch, featuring themed rewards.”
Maple, Zayu and Clutch will be everywhere – welcoming the world, inspiring young fans and cheering on the action during the tournament, which will take place from 11 June to 19 July and feature 48 teams for the first time.”