FIFA announced Thursday that Maple, a red-clad moose will be Canada's official mascot for the 2026 World Cup as shown in this handout image. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - FIFA World Cup (Mandatory Credit)

Move over Bullwinkle. Maple the Moose is here.

FIFA announced Thursday that Maple, a red-clad moose, will be Canada's official mascot for the 2026 World Cup. Zayu the Jaguar and Clutch the Bald Eagle will serve as mascots for fellow co-hosts Mexico and the United States, respectively.

“The '26 team has just got bigger — and more fun! Maple, Zayu and Clutch are full of joy, energy and the spirit of togetherness, just like the FIFA World Cup itself,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

The expanded 48-team, 104-match tournament runs June 11 to July 19 in 16 host cities, including Toronto and Vancouver.

The three mascots "have been thoughtfully developed to reflect the vibrant culture, heritage and spirit of their respective countries, coming together to symbolize unity, diversity and the shared passion for the beautiful game," FIFA said in a statement.

It appears Maple is a fun-loving, well-travelled moose.

"Maple the Moose was born to roam, journeying across all of Canada’s provinces and territories while connecting with people and embracing the country’s rich culture," FIFA said. "A street style-loving artist, music enthusiast and dedicated goalkeeper, Maple found purpose through creativity, resilience and unapologetic individuality.

"With a knack for making legendary saves and a heart full of strength and leadership, Maple combines endless stories and unstoppable flair."

The mascots will also be multi-tasking, featured in a FIFA-licensed video game titled "FIFA Heroes," which launches next year. The game is described as an "arcade-style, fast-paced five-a-side football title with fantasy flair."

The mascots come with a florid backstory.

Zayu the Jaguar, from the jungles of southern Mexico, is said to embody Mexico's "rich heritage and vibrant spirit."

"With a name inspired by unity, strength and joy, Zayu transforms on the pitch as a striker, showcasing exceptional ingenuity and agility that intimidates defenders. Off the pitch, Zayu embraces Mexican culture through dance, food and tradition, uniting people across borders with passion. More than an athlete, Zayu is a symbol of cultural celebration and connection, carrying the heart of Mexico with pride."

Clutch the Bald Eagle, meanwhile, "possesses an unquenchable thirst for adventure, soaring across the United States and embracing every culture, game and moment with boundless curiosity and optimism … Clutch, like all great midfielders, unites people wherever they go, proving that true flight is about purpose, passion and play."

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 25, 2025.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2025