An eagle, a moose and a jaguar
In recognition of the US, Canada and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football’s world governing body introduced Clutch, Maple and Zayu as the official mascots of the quadrennial football spectacle which begins on June 11 and finishing on July 19 next year.
Each mascot is given a playing position on the football field, complete with a backstory.
Clutch, representing the USA, is a bald eagle, America’s national bird. It is dressed in the US national men’s team blue “away” uniform and is a midfielder. It has an “unquenchable thirst for adventure, soaring across the United States and embracing every culture, game and moment with boundless curiosity and optimism.”
FIFA’s narrative says of Clutch, “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. A social spark and sports fanatic, Clutch, like all midfielders, unites people wherever they go, proving that true flight is about purpose, passion and play.”
Canada’s mascot is Maple, the moose, and is a goalkeeper and dressed in red. FIFA says Maple was “born to roam, journeying across all of Canada’s provinces and territories while connecting with people and embracing the country’s rich culture.”
Further, FIFA describes the moose. “A street style-loving artist, music enthusiast and dedicated goalkeeper, Maple found purpose through creativity, resilience and unapologetic individuality. With a knack for legendary saves and a heart full of strength and leadership, Maple combines endless stories and unstoppable flair.”
From the jungles of Mexico comes Zayu, the jaguar. A striker dressed in green, his name according to FIFA is inspired by “unity, strength and joy and demonstrates exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders.”
“Off the pitch, Zayu embraces Mexican culture through dance, food and tradition, uniting people across borders with passion. More than an athlete, Zayu is a symbol of cultural celebration and connection, carrying the heart of Mexico with pride.”
An eagle, a moose and a jaguar representing the three countries co-hosting next year’s FIFA World Cup. Let us also introduce PH’s unofficial mascot with its scientific name – crocodilus politicus contractus.
Our narrative? “It has an insatiable greed and arrogance that displayed deceitful opulence for all to see. With complete indifference and utter disregard to the disastrous effects of their crooked ways, the affected population sadly see property and lives lost.”
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