FIFA has unveiled three innovative mascots for the 2026 World Cup that will make history as the first-ever playable characters in World Cup history. The trio consists of Zayu the jaguar representing Mexico, Maple the moose representing Canada, and Clutch the bald eagle representing the United States, reflecting each of the host nations for the upcoming tournament.
The mascots feature a distinctive 3D art style that has drawn comparisons to popular animated franchises like Paw Patrol and Pokémon, as well as cereal box mascots. While initial social media reactions have been mixed, with some critics describing the characters as 'basic' or 'DreamWorks knockoffs,' supporters argue that these mascots possess more personality and storytelling depth than most previous World Cup mascots.
Each mascot has been given a unique role and backstory that goes far beyond traditional mascot designs. Zayu, sporting green colors, serves as the team captain and striker. Described as hailing from the jungles of southern Mexico, Zayu showcases ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders on the pitch. Off the field, this jaguar embraces Mexican culture through dance, food, and tradition, working to unite people across borders with passion.
Maple the moose, representing Canada, takes on the goalkeeper position and is characterized as a street style-loving artist and music enthusiast. This mascot found purpose through creativity, resilience, and unapologetic individuality. With a talent for making legendary saves and possessing a heart full of strength and leadership, Maple combines endless stories with unstoppable flair while bringing a distinctly Canadian sensibility that blends resilience with nods to street art and creative culture.
Clutch the bald eagle, wearing blue and representing the United States, fills the midfielder role with an unquenchable thirst for adventure. This character soars across the United States, embracing every culture, game, and moment with boundless curiosity and optimism. Fearless on the pitch and uplifting off it, Clutch leads by action, rallying teammates, lifting spirits, and turning every challenge into an opportunity to rise higher.
What sets these mascots apart from all previous World Cup mascots is their integration into the digital gaming world. The trio will be playable characters in 'FIFA Heroes,' an upcoming video game described as fast-paced, arcade-style gaming with a fantasy flair. The game is scheduled to launch in 2026 on multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, and iOS devices.
'FIFA Heroes' is being developed and published by Enver and Solace and will feature not only the new mascots but also past and present mascots, football icons, and fictional players from TV shows and films. This ambitious project promises to showcase how mascots from previous World Cups will be adapted for modern gaming experiences.
Additionally, the new mascots will appear in 'FIFA Super League Soccer' on Roblox, developed in collaboration with Gamefam. Players will be able to engage in quests that highlight each mascot's specific role on the pitch while earning themed rewards related to their favorite characters.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the mascots as symbols of joy, energy, and the spirit of togetherness. The gaming integration represents FIFA's broader strategy under the FIFAe esports umbrella, intended to make digital football accessible to more fans across more platforms than ever before.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marking the first time the tournament will be hosted by three nations simultaneously. These playable mascots represent a significant evolution in how sports organizations engage with younger audiences and embrace digital entertainment platforms.
