Desk Report:
Although there are still 9 months left for the 2026 World Cup, the bell has already rung. More than 100,000 applications were submitted in the first phase of the ticket sales process on September 12. This time, FIFA has released three colorful mascots with ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ in mind.
The 23rd World Cup will be held in these three countries in June-July next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA released three colorful mascots on its website yesterday for this grand tournament of world football. Maple, Zayu, and Clutch – these three mascots will be in the 2026 World Cup. Such colorful mascots are mainly to highlight the local culture of the three host countries. Maple represents Canada here. A special type of moose from the American region has been chosen as the mascot of the World Cup. The maple leaf that is a symbol on the Canadian national flag is the reason why Maple was originally chosen as the mascot. Maple is considered an indomitable guardian on the field. Who will save the team through great goalkeeping on the field. Off the field, he is a big fan of urban culture and music.
The mascot, Zayu, represents Mexico at the World Cup. The jaguar in the Mexican jungle is used as a symbol here. On the field, Zayu is an unstoppable striker. Off the field, he represents Mexican cuisine, dance and heritage. Clutch represents the United States. The eagle is used as a symbol here. Just as midfielders create bonds between teams on the field, Clutch is the symbolic midfielder here. Regarding the three mascots for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “The three mascots have been great. We are providing a pleasant atmosphere for the spectators to enjoy the match. The three mascots will win the hearts of everyone in North America and the whole world. I have already started drawing mascots on children’s clothes, football legends’ clothes. Football fans around the world will also be able to play as video games.”
The last time 32 teams participated in the Qatar World Cup in 2022, the number has increased to 48 in the next World Cup. According to Infantino, the 23rd World Cup will be much more exciting with the increase in the number of teams. Talking about the three mascots, Infantino said, “The number of teams will increase in the 2026 World Cup. It will be even more fun. Maple, Zayu, Clutch are considered symbols of victory, strength and togetherness. Just as the FIFA World Cup unites the whole world, so too do the mascots.”
Argentina won the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022. The Albiceleste will return next year with the aim of retaining the title. The 48-team World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The next World Cup will be held in 11 cities in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
