Follow the World Cup draw with live updates and find out who the USMNT and soccer’s best will be facing during the 2026 tournament.
For many soccer fans, the World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport. It offers spirited competition, nationalism, and an authentic sporting environment with fans from across the globe journeying to the host county to watch their team play on the largest stage.
That experience is furthered by the presence of country mascots. It has become tradition for the host country to deliver a tournament-wide mascot ever since World Cup Willie, a humanoid lion, became the face of the 1966 tournament in England.
Sixty years later, though, that tradition is taking its next step. With three countries hosting games for the upcoming tournament, just one mascot won’t cut it. Here’s a look at every country introducing a costumed representative for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Who are the 2026 World Cup mascots?
With the United States, Canada and Mexico all hosting games for the 2026 World Cup, three mascots will take the field.
Maple the Moose (Canada)
According to FIFA’s website, Maple is an artist and goalkeeper with a ‘heart full of strength and leadership.’ He also routinely journeys ‘across all of Canada’s provinces and territories while connecting with people and embracing the country’s rich culture.’
Zayu the Jaguar (Mexico)
Zayu reigns from the jungles to the south of Mexico. He plays striker on the soccer field and displays fantastic agility to defeat defenders. Zayu also ’embraces Mexican culture through, dance, food and tradition, uniting people across borders with passion and pride.’
Clutch the Bald Eagle (United States)
Clutch, a midfielder, is a leader, according to his FIFA bio. He ‘leads with action – rallying teammates, lifting spirits and turning every challenge into an opportunity to rise higher.’ Clutch’s most notable characteristics are his ‘unquenchable thirst for adventure,’ ‘boundless curiosity,’ and ‘fearlessness.’
Which cities are hosting the 2026 World Cup?
Canada
- Vancouver
- Toronto
Mexico
- Monterrey
- Guadalajara
- Mexico City
United States
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
- Atlanta
- Miami
- Boston
- New York
- Philadelphia
When does the the 2026 World Cup take place?
The 2026 World Cup will start on June 11, 2026. The tournament moves to the knockout stages on June 28, with the final set for July 19.
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