ZURICH, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- FIFA on Thursday unveiled three official mascots for the 2026 World Cup - "Maple" the Moose from Canada, "Zayu" the Jaguar from Mexico and "Clutch" the Bald Eagle from the United States, to represent the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by three nations.

"Maple", "Zayu" and "Clutch" were introduced as symbols of unity, diversity and the shared passion for football. Each character was designed to reflect the culture and spirit of its home country while inspiring fans around the world.

"Maple, Zayu and Clutch are full of joy, energy and the spirit of togetherness, just like the FIFA World Cup itself. They will win hearts and spark celebrations across North America and beyond," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"Maple," a street style-loving artist, music enthusiast and dedicated goalkeeper, embodies resilience and creativity; "Zayu," an agile striker from jungles, is a symbol of cultural celebration and connection; and "Clutch," like all great midfielders, unites people wherever they go, proving that true flight is about purpose, passion and play.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, expanding to 48 teams for the first time in history. ■