Three mascots for the 2026 World Cup have been criticized.

TPO - FIFA has announced the trio of mascots that will accompany the 2026 World Cup: Maple, a moose representing Canada; Zayu, a leopard representing Mexico; and Clutch, a bald eagle representing the United States. This is the first World Cup to have three distinct mascots, but their appeal is not as strong as that of previous seasons.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off, marking an unprecedented milestone in global football history.

This is the largest final tournament ever, with the number of participating teams reaching 48 for the first time, and it is also co-hosted by the three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.



The World Cup opening ceremony was fiery and rich in local cultural elements.

The 2026 World Cup will feature three special mascots, representing unity, national cultural identity, and a passion for football. These symbols will not only excite fans but also connect the three host nations.

FIFA has announced the trio of mascots that will accompany the 2026 World Cup: Maple, a moose representing Canada; Zayu, a leopard representing Mexico; and Clutch, a bald eagle representing the United States. This is the first World Cup to have three distinct mascots.

According to FIFA's website, Maple is a character who combines endless stories and a fiery, unstoppable style.

Nevertheless, Maple's large horns will certainly make opponents think twice before challenging her in the penalty area.

Meanwhile, Clutch is presented as a character like all great midfielders, capable of uniting people wherever they are. This description has led many to draw parallels with former football legend Roy Keane.

You may also like

Uruguay vs Spain live, 7:00 AM, June 27th: A fierce battle with no quarter given.TPO - Serious internal conflicts are brewing within Uruguay ahead of their crucial match against Spain. It remains unclear how the South American team will manage to secure three points and advance to the next round.

There are places where the World Cup excitement has been dampened.Since the start of the 2026 World Cup, much of Mexico has celebrated the tournament with joyful outdoor gatherings, filling the streets, squares, and fan zones in the three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Beware of misinformation about the mascot in Lai Chau circulating on social media.Beware of misrepresentation of the mascot in Lai Chau on social media; warn against manipulative tactics such as editing and clickbait, and affirm efforts to ensure local security and welfare.

FIFA has unveiled three World Cup mascots. Photo: Getty.

According to FIFA, the trio of mascots were carefully developed to reflect the unique culture, heritage, and spirit of each nation, while collectively symbolizing unity, diversity, and a shared passion for the beautiful game .

FIFA also announced that Maple, Zayu, and Clutch will become the first playable mascots of a FIFA tournament in the FIFA Heroes video game, a new title officially licensed by FIFA.

After 60 years, The Guardian suggests that the World Cup mascot has lost some of the appeal it once had, which peaked in the 1970s and 1980s.

At the 2026 World Cup, fans will once again witness the familiar formula that has been applied for the past 32 years: anthropomorphic animal mascots with a strong commercial focus.

Meanwhile, Maple from Canada, Zayu the leopard from Mexico, and Clutch the bald eagle from the United States received mixed reviews, with some even criticizing them as being nothing more than designs removed from an animated sequel.

Prior to the official tournament, Mexico also sparked controversy over an unofficial mascot. The country used the image of the axolotl – an amphibian endemic to Mexico – to promote the tournament. However, this species faces a serious threat of extinction due to urbanization and environmental pollution.

The promotional image sparked controversy.

According to scientists , they have not recorded any wild axolotls in the past two years. Environmental experts argue that the promotion of this animal's image is overshadowing the alarming state of conservation.

​

​

​

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

​

​

​

​

Source: https://tienphong.vn/ba-linh-vat-world-cup-2026-bi-che-post1850807.tpo