Maple, Zayu, and Clutch: the names that will mark the World Cup

FIFA chose names with intention: Maple, Zayu, and Clutch are short, memorable, and loaded with symbolism that immediately connects with Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Maple: the spirit of Canada

Maple is the charismatic moose who represents Canada, whose identity is inspired by the maple leaf, a national symbol and central element of the Canadian flag. Maple embodies the diversity, creativity, and community spirit of the entire country.
On the field, Maple is a resilient goalkeeper, known for his “legendary saves” and leadership. Off the field, he is a lover of urban art and music, making him a bridge between soccer and Canadian culture. During the 2026 World Cup, Maple will be present at family events, festivals, and activations in host cities. In addition, his image will be available on official T-shirts, caps, and plush toys.

Zayu: the jaguar that carries the soul of Mexico

From the jungles of southern Mexico comes Zayu, the jaguar that pays tribute to the country's wildlife, traditions, and culture. His name has a profound meaning in indigenous languages: “unity, strength, and joy,” values that represent Mexican soccer and all of Latin America.
On the pitch, Zayu is an unstoppable striker, with speed and agility that intimidate any defense. Off the pitch, he promotes Mexican cuisine, dance, and traditions, becoming a symbol of pride and cultural representation. Fans can find official Zayu merchandise, such as collectible figures and jerseys inspired by his distinctive coat.

Clutch: the eagle that inspires the United States

Finally, the third mascot is Clutch, the eagle that symbolizes the energy, determination, and competitiveness of the United States. The term “clutch” is widely used in sports to describe those who rise to the occasion in decisive moments, making this mascot the perfect emblem for the host country.
Clutch is a natural midfielder who unites his team, lifts the spirits of fans, and turns every challenge into an opportunity to shine. He will be present at events in all U.S. host cities, in addition to featuring on exclusive merchandise such as hoodies and urban-style caps.

Products, video games, and live experiences

In addition to their physical presence in stadiums, Maple, Zayu, and Clutch will be featured in interactive experiences. In FIFA Heroes, players will be able to use them as playable characters in mixed teams alongside real soccer players. In Roblox, they will participate in challenges and mini-games with exclusive rewards.
Official merchandise will be available before and during the tournament, including limited editions of plush toys, clothing, and collectibles. There will also be augmented reality experiences in fan zones and social media filters so fans can take photos with their favorite mascots.

FIFA is betting that these characters will serve as a bridge between the three host cultures, appearing in merchandising, video games, and digital activations.
From a legacy perspective, the names and multiplatform strategy seek to leave a mark: for children to remember the World Cup because of these characters; for T-shirts with their images to continue to be worn years later; and for the tournament experience to extend beyond the 48 matches, into apps, stores, and family gatherings.