The FIFA World Cup has seen a lot of changes in 2026. There are three host nations, six rounds, matches of four quarters instead of two halves, and there's the first World Cup final halftime show still to come.
The three World Cup mascots, one for each host nation, also mark a first: they serve as playable characters in a video game. But how do Zayu, Maple and Clutch measure up against the best World Cup mascots of the past? Interestingly, it seems vintage character designs maintain stronger public sentiment (also see our pick of the best World Cup logos of all time, as well as the best World Cup adverts and the best World Cup kit designs of 2026).
