Lowe’s Messi – A 10-foot Lionel Messi inflatable tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to appear on front lawns this summer, while FIFA’s three official mascots—Clutch, Maple and Zayu—prepare to carry forward the tournament’s costumed-character tradition across the United S
A 10-foot Lionel Messi inflatable tied to the 2026 World Cup is already heading into people’s neighborhoods, with Lowe’s sending the player’s likeness out for the summer season—along with bigger versions expected outside select stadiums.
For fans who like their World Cup hype visible from the curb, the setup is straightforward: you may see the inflatable on front lawns this summer, and 20-foot versions can be found outside select stadiums.
At the tournament itself, the mascots will be more than decoration. Clutch, Maple and Zayu are the official mascots of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and they’re being positioned as the latest link in a lineage that stretches back to the 1966 World Cup in England.
That 1966 tournament is where World Cup Willie broke mascot ground, becoming the first in a World Cup tradition—at least in an official capacity. Now, with three host nations—Canada, Mexico and the United States—FIFA is leaning into a three-character lineup.
Clutch is the bald eagle representing the U.S. FIFA describes Clutch as “a social spark and sports fanatic. ” adding that Clutch. like all great midfielders. “unites people wherever they go. proving that true flight is about purpose. passion and play.” The national bird detail matters here: the bald eagle is the United States’ national bird. officially as of December 2024.
Maple represents Canada as a moose. with FIFA presenting Maple as “a street style-loving artist. music enthusiast and dedicated goalkeeper. ” and saying Maple “found purpose through creativity. resilience and unapologetic individuality.” FIFA’s timeline also stands out: the mascot was birthed in September 2025.
Zayu is Mexico’s jaguar. FIFA characterizes Zayu as “more than an athlete … a symbol of cultural celebration and connection,” describing Zayu as carrying “the heart of Mexico with pride.”
The inflatable and the mascots land in the same emotional space—World Cup fever, but translated into different forms. One is a larger-than-life Messi figure meant to turn everyday streets into matchday scenery. The other is a three-character set meant to show up across stadiums and broadcast frames when games begin.
The through-line is familiar to anyone who’s watched the tournament evolve over decades: World Cup identity is increasingly built with recognizable. repeatable symbols. In 2026. that will mean Clutch. Maple and Zayu keeping the tradition going even as the marketing shifts toward brighter. more visible characters—whether that’s a 10-foot inflatable at home or a 20-foot version outside select stadiums.
When the 2026 World Cup starts, the expectation is simple: keep an eye out for the colorful trio along the sidelines, as the tournament’s newest mascots take their place in a history that has been playing out in costumes for generations.
2026 FIFA World Cup Lowe’s Lionel Messi inflatable Clutch Maple Zayu FIFA mascots bald eagle mascot moose mascot jaguar mascot Canada Mexico United States hosts