| Keyword |
Description |
| Motif |
A repeated theme or idea |
| Symbolism |
Use of symbols representing ideas |
| Mixtec |
A group of Indigenous Mexicans |
Three animal mascots will carry the identity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup across North America: Zayu the jaguar for Mexico, Clutch the bald eagle for the United States, and Maple the moose for Canada, each chosen to mirror national character while inviting fans into a single, continental tournament. The event aims to fuse local pride with a wider sense of togetherness, turning three host nations into one shared stage for football culture and community. The World Cup opens on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City at the historic Azteca stadium, setting a symbolic tone for a competition built on heritage, hospitality, and collective celebration.
Zayu stands out as a nod to Mexico’s deep cultural roots: a sleek, smiling jaguar linked to southern jungles and to a powerful motif in Mesoamerican art and myth. The name echoes ideas of unity, strength, and joy, and observers have noted its resonance with “Dzahui,” a Mixtec word associated with rain, which underscores the layered, indigenous dimensions behind the design. With a green jersey and striker’s energy, Zayu signals both modern football excitement and the enduring symbolism of the jaguar across Mexico’s history.
Clutch and Maple complement that story through familiar national icons reframed for the pitch: the eagle as a confident, sharp-eyed midfielder, and the moose as a calm, resilient goalkeeper. Beyond stadium appearances and merchandising, the trio will meet fans in classrooms and digital spaces, including as interactive characters in a new FIFA Heroes video game planned for next year, marking the first time World Cup mascots are playable. By blending sports roles with cultural imagery, the mascots teach values — teamwork, fair play, respect — while making complex ideas of identity and partnership accessible.
Mexico’s hosting footprint stretches from Mexico City to Monterrey and Zapopan near Guadalajara, tying the mascots to real places where shared memories will form. Estadio Banorte’s opening match reinforces how tradition can evolve without losing its emotional core, as names and narratives adapt for a global audience. For older teens, these characters are more than cute branding: they are gateways into language, geography, and living heritage, and reminders that international sport can honor difference while building common ground.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| National |
Nacional |
| Stadium |
Estadio |
| Interactive |
Interactivo |
Time to discuss
- Which mascot best communicates its country’s values, and why?
- Should official mascots prioritize fun, education, or both?
- Does a tri-nation World Cup strengthen unity more than a single host?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Write a scene where the three mascots collaborate to welcome fans from different countries.
- Design a community project that the mascots could lead that connects sports with local culture.
