It was expected that there are mascots-one for each country. Iris Diaz has made the idea that it is for the first of its kind, one native animal from each country will be represented. It is unlike the 2002 World Cup where South Korea and Japan had hosted and they have similar cultures and they have ONE type of mascot- they are the Atmospheriks-some mythical but made-up creatures that aren't original.

The upcoming FIFA MWC 2026 is MUCH MORE ORIGINAL, and I like the idea REALLY much.

So before we see them, I will go and describe them, then the links and videos will show below...

CANADA: Maple the Moose-Goalie (#1):

In this one, it is fitting that it is one of the most recognizable animals that would be prevalent in Canada. Of course, if you are an NHL fan, you would already know about the Winnipeg Jets mascot, Mick E. Moose (Link is request form): www.nhl.com/jets/community/mascot-a.....ppearance-request-form , but it is safe that it is not a beaver as in English, we do know about the vulgar term of this. For them to pick Maple, it is a nice idea to see the antlered animal have more love. It is rare to see a fursuit in the FF'dom be from this cervine (wapiti). Hovever, in seeing this one in action, it is going to be a treat, and if one is going to enter in the FF'dom, if they are a MWC fan, don't be surprised that there can be a rise of moose as furries in the FF'dom-even fursuits!
For those that would give theme to the mascots, from the interview, Maple is big on arts and music. Quite mellow, but would be the friendliest of them all. Some can say he looks a little too much like a cow, but I think he's okay as this is a SPORTS mascot suit. IF fursuit, I know that constructors will make a moose better than this one.

MÉXICO: Zayu the Jaguar-Striker (#9):

It is no surprise, something that would have to be native to the country would have to be a wild one- it is truly a disgrace that the previous MWC's they were Juanito in the 1970 WC which is a boy sporting a little gut: https://es.pinterest.com/pin/585116176569152666/ , and in 1986, the hideous jalapeño named Pique: www.alamy.com/the-official-mascot-f.....ue-image491226038.html ! In the aspect that jaguars are found all throughout Central & South America, and starting to encroach the USA, they are quite the predator to reckon with since they have a VERY strong bite. Certainly, as we have seen the first cat mascot for the MWC, in 2010, there's Zakumi the leopard for South Africa (suit): www.gettyimages.ca/photos/zakumi-mascot , and as it is that for Zayu be a native name possibly in Mexican culture, it fits well. Though one can debate that on their flag, they have an eagle eating a snake (also coat of arms) it is promient that the USA is mostly known for the eagle. Clear enough, if it is an alternate for Mexican identity, it would have to be a jaguar, but we can't rule out puma/mountain lion/cougar too-however, the company Puma exists... ( https://eu.puma.com/de/en/home ) Strong and at times, fast, Zayu could be a great furry for us to draw, you know?
Theme: HE LOVES FOOD (Figures that there's the fact that jaguars have the strongest bite force in all cats!), but he would have a healthy weight as he loves to dance! And in seeing the suit design, he actually does look Mexican!

USA: Clutch the Eagle-Midfielder (#10 [Usually, the number for a captain]):

I MISS STRIKER FROM 1994: https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictu.....up-1994-mascot ! Anyhow, if it is that there should be an update, I guess that this could be it. It is interesting that like Mexico, and others that have hosted MWC's more than once (Mexico will have its 3rd, but there was Brazil, Germany, France and Italy with 2. USA will join this list of two.) they will not recycle their mascots. Well, for this year, I can guess that something that defines a country clearly, like in France in 1998 with a rooster Footix: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/725642558685266615/ (It is a symbol of France.), well, why not the national bird for the USA? Usually when it comes to international events like this one or the Olympics, it would not be an animal found on a coat of arms or great seal. I can guess that FIFA has more leeway on this.
Clutch would be a cute eagle to my eyes, and I can say for him to be represented as a mascot would be fine for me to show bravery and pride. Although Striker would be the cute dog that is from the American Kennel Society as the most popular (I guess Labrador or golden retriever) toughened up to play ball, we already see that as Clutch is a wild animal-being furried-as tough-it's only natural. You can say that for Zayu as well. It will be up to debate with Maple though... To stick with Clutch, in the nature that he's been designed, any child or adult with a child in them would like this eagle-looks friendly! Of course, in terms of you fursuiters when you see the suit design, the viewing area is prominently on the BEAK. It should have been better designed.
He is of the most athletics as he does like basketball and AMERICAN football, but he is one that embraces muticulturality.

AND SO, HERE IS THE GRAND REVEAL OF THE 3 MASCOTS IN SUIT FORM!:
>>> www.aol.com/news/fifa-unveils-2026-.....rld-cup-174123991.html <<<

AND HERE IS PROMO OF THEM!:
>>> www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR52cerl0CQ <<<

I like how they are, and if it is to market FIFA, I think they will do a great job, and us native former NAFTA residents will be proud of what the marketing committee had done in having the unprecidented 3 individual mascots to represent each country. It is unlike Germany where in 2006 where they had Goleo IV the lion: https://jp.pinterest.com/pin/403283341603498119/ , and from some Germans, they say they HATED HIM-a lion does not represent Germany in any way, they say!

No, I will not bash the marketing comittee here as I do have dual Canadian and US citizenship. I can be glad that they have original imagination to go on the wild side of the countries and show the world in a way, conservation of the species while showing action in 3 countries, all the native fauna found in them. So if it is that you would want to see these anthros, do look at the likely places where the men's matches will be held. Let us hope no last minute changes will occur-the US president has the idea of moving matches to other cities-HE CANNOT DO THIS, it is the commitee's right to do so! (Then again, the head of FIFA is a friend of Trump...😒)

So here we are, Maple Moose, Zayu Jaguar and Clutch Eagle as many were expecting that there would be 3 mascots and some were correct that they would represent each country hosting! I would love to see what artists in the FF'dom will bring to the table as visual arts! Entertain us World Cup fans!
(Hope it won't be NSFW like the craze of Russia 2018 where Zabivaka was drawn in NSFW!)