The World Cup started this Thursday (11), with two matches in Mexico. Outside the fields, the tournament's mascots begin to enchant the public. The Maple moose, Zayu jaguar and bald eagle Clutch dolls are for sale on a variety of websites and prices on the internet and in popular markets.  The animals created by the International Football Federation (Fifa) symbolize each of the three venues for this year's competition: Canada, Mexico and the United States and are part of the World Cup tradition. The animals make reference to the culture and identity of the countries and aim to engage fans and children, according to FIFA. Maple represents a moose, an animal common in the northern hemisphere. The name is a tribute to the red leaf of the Maple tree, a symbol present on the Canadian flag. - Reuters/Daniel Becerril/Archive/Reproduction prohibited maple Related news: Without Neymar, Brazil finalizes its preparations for its World Cup debut on Saturday. World Cup: Fenaj denounces embarrassment to journalists in the USA. See dates and times for Brazil's World Cup games. Due to his large size, mascot Maple (a moose) is a dedicated goalkeeper. He enjoys music, street style and traveling across Canada. The name is a tribute to the red leaf of the Maple tree, a national symbol (it is present on the country's flag) and from which a typical syrup is extracted. Maple wears a red uniform and was conceived holding a soccer ball. Zayu Symbolizing Mexico is the jaguar Zayu, native to the jungles in the south of the North American country. It represents the cultural heritage, dance and gastronomy, as well as the vibrant spirit of that country. On the field, Zayu is the attacker, showing ingenuity and agility. The mascot wears a green uniform and also holds a ball.  The species is threatened with extinction in Mexico, but there are ongoing efforts indicating an increase in the population of these animals, according to the organization National Alliance for the Conservation of the Jaguar (ANCJ). Clutch Bald Eagle Clutch is a free spirit, seeks adventure, and is an optimistic leader. Representing the United States, she is a midfielder, capable of mobilizing a team. Clutch, like all great players in this position, brings people together, highlighted FIFA about the blue mascot, represented with the ball at his feet. A symbol of the United States, the bald eagle was considered a sacred animal by indigenous people, who used its feathers in celebratory rituals. Representing the United States, she is a midfielder, capable of mobilizing a team - Reuters/Heuler Andrey/Archive/Reproduction prohibited Symbol of the United States, the bald eagle was considered a sacred animal by indigenous people, who use its feathers in celebratory rituals. The bird once faced the threat of extinction, but was protected by species conservation actions, including a ban on the use of a pesticide. The tradition of FIFA mascots began in 1966, in England, with the little lion Willie, who wore a United Kingdom flag with the word World Cup. In the Mexico Cup (1970) - the first edition of the World Cup in the country -  the mascot was Juanito: a boy who wore a typical sombrero, but who was criticized for stereotyping that culture. Remember Fuleco? The World Cup in Brazil (2014) also had its mascot, Fuleco. The nine-banded armadillo, despite its international fame, is still at risk of extinction here. The small mammal had its status reclassified from "vulnerable" to "endangered" on the Brazilian fauna red list. According to the Associação Caatinga, a non-governmental entity that maintains a conservation program for the giant armadillo, habitat loss caused by deforestation, fires and hunting are the main threats to the creature. To tackle the problem, on the 10th, the federal government expanded the Serra das Confusões National Park, in Piauí, to 916 thousand hectares, which was considered essential to protect the Fuleco's habitat. The nine-banded armadillo gained international fame when it was represented by the mascot Fuleco at the 2014 World Cup, held in Brazil. Despite the repercussions, the animal is still at risk of extinction here - Disclosure/MMA Hunting the armadillo is part of the regional culture and a danger to the animal. "We arrived at places and asked the children: who ate armadillo in the last year? Everyone raised their hands", said biologist Felipe Melo, in 2014, when he researched this species. In its natural environment, the armadillo's role is to move nutrients from the earth, control the presence of ants and serve as food for big cats. For Melo, the main way to protect the armadillo is the creation of natural areas, protected by law, to maintain the entire ecosystem. The World Cup will have 104 games until July 19th, when the final will be held. Brazil's debut will be against Morocco this Saturday (13th), at 7pm (Brasília time), at the MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey, in Group C of the World Cup, which also includes Haiti and Scotland.