“You conquer hearts”
World Cup 2026: FIFA presents official mascot
25.09.2025 – 8:31 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
The 2026 tournament in Canada, the USA and Mexico is not only held with 48 teams, now it is also clear who should be the lucky charm of the tournament. FIFA presented three mascots on Thursday – with floral words from Gianni Infantino.
The 2026 World Cup is accompanied by three official mascot. Maple of the moose, Zayu The Jaguar and Clutch of the Weißkopfseadler should symbolize the three hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, as the World Association FIFA announced.
“The three mascots are crucial for the incredible, happy atmosphere at this groundbreaking tournament,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino is quoted in a message.
“They conquer hearts and worries in North America and around the world for a great atmosphere. I already see how they emerge on children’s t-shirts, clap football stars and-as a further premiere for this tournament-appear in video games that are played by millions of people around the world.”
The mascots of previous world football championships were not always very popular.
At the 2006 tournament in Germany, “Goleo VI”, an oversized lion controlled by a puppet player in the Germany jersey and with soccer shoes, but without pants, provided discussions. At that time, the renowned designer Erik Spiekermann judged in the magazine “Spiegel”, the awkward figure – always on the go with the “Pill” – talking about a remote control football – deserve “penalty points for stupidity”.
How Maple, Zayu and Clutch are recorded is still unclear. The World Cup will take place next year with 48 teams from June 11th to July 19th.