For the first time in its six-decade history, the biggest sporting event on the planet will be split among three nations — the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Fittingly, that means not one but three mascots for the FIFA World Cup.

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For the first time in its history, the FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Reflecting this unprecedented arrangement, the 2026 tournament will feature three mascots, each designed to embody the character and culture of its respective nation.

The Canadian mascot, Maple the moose, is a music-loving goalkeeper and street-style artist. Mexico's Zayu the jaguar represents the country's heritage of food and dance and will host the opening match in Mexico City. The American mascot, Clutch the bald eagle, is a fearless midfielder symbolizing unity among the host nations. The tradition of World Cup mascots began in 1966, and the 2026 edition is expected to attract millions of fans across North America.

Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup has three mascots

For the first time in its nearly 100-year history, the biggest sporting event on the planet will be split among three nations, 16 cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada, hosting 104 matches. Fittingly, that means not one, but three mascots for the FIFA World Cup, each one with their own quirks, character, and culture. The trio is intended to capture the spirit of all three host nations. Music-loving Maple, the Canadian moose, is a goalkeeper, described as an easy-going, street-style artist. For Mexico, FIFA's mascot is called Zayu the jaguar. The character is designed to embody the country's rich heritage of food and dance. Zayu will host the kickoff game on June 11th in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca Stadium. And rounding out the team is all-American bald eagle Clutch, who FIFA says is known for fearlessness and boundless curiosity. Clutch is a midfielder intended to bond together the three nations of North America and the game. The mascot tradition kicked off in 1966 with the stoic Brit Willie the Lion, an all-time fan favorite. Fans may also remember the US World Cup 1994's striker. FIFA predicts the 2026 World Cup will draw up to six million fans, packing more than a dozen stadiums next summer. Keeping the colorful mascots busy and prolific. Merchandise, of course, of all kinds, will be on sale soon. Lilia Luciano, CBS News, New York.

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