who are Maple, Zayu and Clutch, the official mascots and what they represent

Home Sport who are Maple, Zayu and Clutch, the official mascots and what they represent
Sport
June 5, 2026June 5, 2026By Mario VΓ‘squez
who are Maple, Zayu and Clutch, the official mascots and what they represent

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in United States, Mexico and Canada, is getting closer and promises to become the biggest soccer party in history. It will not only be historic due to its expanded format and multiple venues, but also due to the elements that surround this great event.

Beyond the matches on the field, the World Cup is a global cultural celebration in its 16 venues, where fans live a unique experience. The shirts, the official ball, the music and, of course, pets are an essential part of this show.

The World Cup mascots were born in England 1966 with Willie, a lion that marked the beginning of a tradition of almost 60 years. Since then, every World Cup It has had emblematic characters that represent the cultural identity of the host country.

Over the years, figures such as Juanito, Naranjito, Gauchito, Pique, Footix, Zakumi, Fuleco and La’eeb, among others. In editions such as those of 2002 and 2006 more than one pet was presented.

For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA presented a trio of official mascots, one for each host country:

  • Maple (Canada)
  • Zayu (Mexico)
  • Clutch (United States)

Maple: Canadian creativity and leadership

Maple, a Canadian elk, represents Canada’s cultural diversity. His mission has been to tour the provinces and territories of the country to get closer to its inhabitants.

A lover of urban art and music, Maple also stands out as a goalkeeper and symbolizes:

  • creativity
  • resilience
  • authenticity

With his saves and his leadership, this character seeks to win the affection of the fans.

Zayu: Mexican passion and strength

From the jungles of southern Mexico comes Zayu, a jaguar that represents the country’s cultural wealth.

His name symbolizes unity, strength and joy. On the field he stands out as a forward thanks to:

  • its speed
  • his ability
  • his ability to overcome rival defenses

Off the field of play, Zayu promotes Mexican identity through dance, gastronomy and traditions.

Clutch: American energy and determination

Clutch, an energetic eagle, symbolizes the spirit of America. It is characterized by:

  • optimism
  • curiosity
  • leadership

As a midfielder, his main strength is uniting the team. It is an engine within the game and a source of inspiration outside of it. His message is clear: with passion and discipline, anything is possible.

The mascots of the World Cups since 1966

These have been the mascots in the history of the World Cup:

  • England 1966: Willie
  • Mexico 1970: Juanito
  • Germany 1974: Tip and Tap
  • Argentina 1978: Gauchito
  • Spain 1982: Naranjito
  • Mexico 1986: Pique
  • Italy 1990: Ciao
  • USA 1994: Striker
  • France 1998: Footix
  • South Korea and Japan 2002: Ato, Kaz and Nik (Spheriks)
  • Germany 2006: Goleo VI and Pille
  • South Africa 2010: Zakumi
  • Brazil 2014: Fuleco
  • Russia 2018: Zabivaka
  • Qatar 2022: La’eeb
  • United States, Mexico and Canada 2026: Clutch, Zayu and Maple

The World Cup is not just about goals and results. It is a global celebration in which cultures, traditions and emotions converge. The mascots represent the creative and festive side of the tournament, in addition to bringing the sport closer to children and adults.

In 2026, with three host countries, the World Cup will have an unprecedented dimension. Maple, Zayu and Clutch will be in charge of representing that spirit to millions of fans.

Source