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1966-2026: FIFA World Cup mascots over the decades
FIFA has revealed the names of their 2026 World Cup mascots. Maple, Zayu and Clutch will represent Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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Host country: England
Mascot: ‘World Cup Willie’
According to FIFA, Willie the lion set the standard for many of his successors.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Mexico
Mascot: ‘Juanito’
FIFA says Juanito was a ‘vibrant’ mascot for the first World Cup broadcast in colour.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: West Germany
Mascot: ‘Tip and Tap’
According to FIFA, ‘Tip and Tap offered an image of togetherness and friendship.’
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Argentina
Mascot: ‘Gauchito’
Organizers chose an image of an ‘enthusiastic young boy’ for the 1978 World Cup, according to FIFA.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Spain
Mascot: ‘Naranjo’
Naranjito took the form of an orange in a fruit-based theme in 1982, FIFA says.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Mexico
Mascot: ‘Pique’
Pique, a giant chilli pepper, sported a sombrero and a stereotypically Mexican moustache, according to FIFA.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Italy
Mascot: ‘Ciao’
According to FIFA, Italy opted for a ‘more modern structure’ for its 1990 mascot, the only one in World Cup history to not have a face.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: United States
Mascot: ‘Striker’
The United States publicly voted for its mascot, with Striker the dog as the leading choice, FIFA says.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: France
Mascot: ‘Footix’
According to FIFA, ‘France drew inspiration from World Cup Willie’ by opting for a national emblem.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Korea/Japan
Mascot: ‘Ant, Kaz and Nik’
The first trio of mascots were also the first of the new millennium, according to FIFA.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Germany
Mascot: ‘Goleo VI and Pille’
The comeback of a lion marked a more traditional mascot form than that of the previous World Cup mascot, according to FIFA.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: South Africa
Mascot: ‘Zakumi’
The leopard’s name is a composition of 'ZA', for South Africa, and 'kumi', which means ‘ten’ in various languages across Africa, according to FIFA.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Brazil
Mascot: ‘Fuleco’
FIFA says ‘Fuleco’ is a fusion of the words 'futebol' and 'ecologia,’ and he is committed to protecting Brazil’s natural beauty.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Russia
Mascot: ‘Zabivaka’
Zabivaka is a wolf ‘who radiates fun, charm and confidence’, according to FIFA.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Qatar
Mascot: ‘La'eeb’
La'eeb means super-skilled player, and ‘everyone is invited to interpret what it looks like,’ FIFA says.
(Source: FIFA)
Host country: Canada/United States/Mexico
Mascot: ‘Maple, Zayu and Clutch’
FIFA says Maple the Moose, Zayu the Jaguar and Clutch the Bald Eagle ‘reflect the vibrant culture, heritage and spirit of their respective countries’ and symbolize ‘unity, diversity and the shared passion for the beautiful game.’
(Source: FIFA)