Zayu, a jaguar embodying unity, strength, and joy, joins Juanito and Pique as Mexico’s third mascot in the history of FIFA World Cups. This addition marks a significant milestone as Mexico, along with Canada and the United States, co-hosts the 2026 tournament for the first time.
Juanito: The First Mexican Ambassador
Juanito, a charming boy in traditional attire, represented Mexico during the 1970 FIFA World Cup. As the first color-transmitted World Cup, Juanito’s friendly demeanor and iconic sombrero with “México 70” inscribed on it symbolized the warmth and hospitality of Mexican hosts during the first World Cup held in Latin America.
- Year: 1970
- Mascot Name: Juanito
- Symbolism: Hospitality, joy, and traditional Mexican culture
Pique: The Charismatic Chile Jalapeño
Sixteen years later, during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Pique took center stage. A chile jalapeño with a mustache and charro hat, Pique’s playful design reinforced Mexican identity on the global stage. The picante symbolism highlighted Mexico’s rich culinary traditions.
- Year: 1986
- Mascot Name: Pique
- Symbolism: Mexican identity, culinary traditions, and national pride
Zayu: The Jaguar Symbolizing Unity and Pride
Today, Zayu, the swift and agile jaguar from Mexico’s southern forests, embodies unity, strength, and joy. Zayu will represent Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with Canada and the United States. His name signifies unity, fortitude, and happiness.
- Year: 2026
- Mascot Name: Zayu
- Symbolism: Unity, strength, joy, and Mexican cultural celebration through dance, gastronomy, and traditions
Co-hosting with Maple and Clutch
Zayu will share the spotlight with Maple, Canada’s alpine deer mascot, and Clutch, the bald eagle representing the United States. These three mascots will not only animate matches and interact with fans but also debut as interactive characters in the upcoming FIFA Heroes video game.
The 2026 World Cup: A Historic Event
For the first time, 48 national teams will compete in the 2026 World Cup, which takes place from June 11 to July 19. This tournament marks a new chapter in the history of international football, with Mexico, Canada, and the United States sharing the responsibility of hosting this prestigious event.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the other two mascots alongside Zayu? Maple, representing Canada, and Clutch, representing the United States.
- What do the names of the mascots signify? Zayu means unity, strength, and joy; Juanito represented hospitality and joy; Pique embodied Mexican identity, culinary traditions, and national pride.
- What makes the 2026 World Cup unique? It will be the first time that the tournament is co-hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
- What will be the role of the mascots in the 2026 World Cup? They will animate matches, interact with fans, and appear as interactive characters in the FIFA Heroes video game.
