Zayu Amigurumi: Free Pattern for the 2026 World Cup Mexico Mascot

Zayu amigurumi: Mexico’s 2026 World Cup mascot crocheted by hand

If you love soccer, crochet, and handmade dolls with a story, this free Zayu amigurumi pattern has the special charm of pieces made by hand. Zayu is not just a crocheted doll: it is a handmade version inspired by one of the mascots of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

In this project, you will find a colorful amigurumi toy with jaguar details, a green uniform, little boots, embroidered spots, and a sweet expression that makes it perfect for anyone who loves collecting crocheted characters. The pattern is organized step by step, with complete rounds, color changes, and assembly details so you can crochet it with more confidence.

Zayu is the mascot that represents Mexico in the 2026 World Cup. According to the official information published by FIFA, Zayu is a Mexican jaguar that embodies the country’s heritage, dynamism, unity, strength, and joy. Zayu is also presented as a fast and agile forward, connected to Mexican culture, tradition, food, dance, and the pride of bringing people together through soccer.

This crochet pattern is inspired by that spirit: a small, colorful piece full of personality, perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate the World Cup through amigurumi and handmade crafts.

Important: this handmade pattern is not an official FIFA product and is not affiliated with, approved by, or sponsored by FIFA. It is a crocheted interpretation of the character, made from the free pattern created by Jessiane Oliveira of Arco-Íris Crochê Ateliê, and published in English with the author’s permission.

Reviewed and organized by Patterns Amigurumis. This pattern was edited to improve readability, preserve the complete rounds, and make the step-by-step crochet process easier to follow.

Amigurumi technical details

• Difficulty level: basic/intermediate.
• Estimated crochet time: approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on your experience, tension, and sewing pace.
• Approximate finished size: 13 cm, which may vary depending on the yarn, hook, and tension.
• Project type: amigurumi doll / World Cup mascot crocheted by hand.
• Ideal for: soccer fans, amigurumi collectors, World Cup decoration, gifts, and practicing color changes.
• Main technique: single crochet, increases, decreases, BLO, stitch post/bar crochet, embroidery, and assembly of small pieces.

Zayu and the spirit of the 2026 World Cup

Zayu is part of the trio of mascots for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, together with Maple, the moose from Canada, and Clutch, the eagle from the United States. In this edition, the mascots represent the cultural richness, legacy, and spirit of each host country.

In Zayu’s case, the character is inspired by the Mexican jaguar and the symbolic strength of this animal within Mexican culture. Its design connects with ideas of agility, energy, celebration, and cultural pride, something that is reflected beautifully in this amigurumi version: a small doll with many visual details that make it recognizable and special.

That is why this project works not only as a lovely crochet pattern, but also as a collectible piece to enjoy the build-up to the 2026 World Cup through handmade crafts.

Original usage note from the author

This is a free pattern created with a lot of love and care, and selling it is prohibited. When sharing it, the author asks that you share the link to the original post to support and encourage her work.

• You may sell the finished piece made from this pattern.
• The original note states that the pattern may not be translated, sold, or reproduced in video lessons. For this English publication, direct permission was granted by Jessiane Oliveira.
• When posting your finished piece on social media, the author asks that you tag @arcoiriscroche.atelie.

Materials

• 2.2 mm

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  crochet hook.
• 1 pair of size 9 safety eyes.
• Tapestry needle or yarn needle.
• Stuffing.
• A piece of white yarn to embroider the waterline of the eyes.
• Black embroidery thread.
• Ballon Amigo yarn in the colors: Natural, Tomate, Positano, Preto, Marrom, Milho, and Sunflower.

Optional or recommended: stitch marker, pins to position the pieces before sewing, and fine-point scissors for more precise work.

If you have questions about yarns or tools, check our: complete beginner’s guide to amigurumi materials

If you need help with color changes, you can see our step-by-step guide for changing color in amigurumi.

Abbreviations

• ROUND: round.
• MR: magic ring.
• IR: inverted ring.
• ch: chain.
• sc: single crochet.
• sl st: slip stitch.
• inc: increase.
• triple inc: triple increase, meaning 3 single crochet stitches worked into the same stitch.
• dec: decrease.
• triple dec: triple decrease.
• st / sts: stitch / stitches.
• Stitch post/bar sc: single crochet worked into the stitch post/bar, according to the technique indicated in the original pattern.
• BLO: work in the back loops only.
• FLO: work in the front loops only.
• Row: row or round, depending on the abbreviation used in the original pattern.

You can review all techniques in our guide to Spanish crochet abbreviations

Before you start

• Read the entire pattern before beginning, because Zayu has several color changes and some pieces are sewn onto specific rounds.
• Use a stitch marker, especially on the body and head, so you do not lose the placement of the eyes, tail, arms, and ears.
• Stuff gradually as you crochet; for small pieces such as the arms, tail, and legs, it is best to use a small amount of stuffing so they do not lose their shape.
• During color changes, try to keep the inner strands neat so they do not show through from the outside.
• Before sewing the ears, arms, and muzzle, pin them in place to check symmetry and expression.

Complete step-by-step pattern

Tail

With Natural color.

ROUND 1: 8 sc in MR.

ROUND 2: 8 sc.

Change to Milho color.

ROUND 3: 8 sl st. This is not BLO.

ROUND 4: 8 sc.

ROUND 5: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 2 (6).

ROUNDS 6 TO 10: 6 sc in each round (5 rounds).

Add a little stuffing to the tip.

Close the piece by joining both sides with 3 sc.

Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Set aside.

With Marrom yarn, embroider a few small spots.

Feet and legs 2x

With Preto color.

Make 5 ch and work back into the 2nd ch from the hook, making:

ROUND 1: 3 sc, 1 triple inc, 2 sc, 1 inc (10).

ROUND 2: 1 inc, 2 sc, 3 inc, 2 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc (15).

Change to Sunflower color, yellow.

ROUND 3: Working sc into the stitch post/bar, 15 sc.

Change to Preto color.

Add stuffing as you crochet.

ROUND 4: 15 sc.

ROUND 5: 4 sc, 3 dec, 5 sc (12).

ROUND 6: 4 sc, 1 triple dec, 5 sc (10).

Change to Sunflower color, yellow.

ROUND 7: 10 sl st. This is not BLO.

Change to Positano color, green.

ROUND 8: In BLO, 10 sl st.

Change to Milho color, skin tone.

ROUND 9: In BLO, 10 sl st.

ROUND 10: In BLO, 10 sc.

ROUND 11: 10 sc.

Change to Tomate color, red.

ROUND 12: 10 sl st. This is not BLO.

Change to Positano color, green.

ROUND 13: In BLO, 10 sc.

ROUND 14: 10 sc.

Fasten off with an invisible finish.

Make the second leg in the same way, but do not fasten off, because we will join them.

Joining the legs

Continue on the second leg.

ROUND 15: Work approximately 4 sc around to the side, make 2 ch, and join to the side of the other leg with 1 sc. This stitch will be the beginning of the round from now on. Continue with 9 more sc, 2 sc in the ch, 10 sc, 2 sc in the ch (24).

Important: pay attention so the feet face forward.

Body

Continue for the body.

ROUNDS 16 TO 17: 24 sc in each round (2 rounds).

Add stuffing as you crochet.

ROUND 18: In BLO, (2 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (18).

ROUNDS 19 TO 21: 18 sc in each round (3 rounds).

ROUND 22: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (12).

Change to Tomate color, red.

ROUND 23: 12 sl st. This is not BLO.

Change to Milho color, skin tone.

Before starting the head, sew the tail between rounds 15 and 16, so it stays centered between the legs.

We will also work into the sweater loops left from round 18.

Sweater detail

ROUND 1: With Positano yarn, green, place the body with the legs facing upward and attach the yarn to the first loop with 1 sc. Continue with 24 more sc, working 1 sc into each loop.

ROUND 2: 24 sc.

Change to Tomate color, red.

ROUND 3: 24 sl st.

Fasten off.

Return with Milho yarn to begin the head.

Head

ROUND 24: In BLO, 12 sl st.

ROUND 25: In BLO, 12 sc.

ROUND 26: 12 inc (24).

ROUND 27: (3 sc, 1 inc) x 6 (30).

ROUND 28: (4 sc, 1 inc) x 6 (36).

ROUND 29: (5 sc, 1 inc) x 6 (42).

ROUNDS 30 TO 38: 42 sc in each round (9 rounds).

Place the eyes between rounds 34 and 35, with 5 visible stitches between them.

Add stuffing as you close the head.

ROUND 39: (5 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (36).

ROUND 40: (4 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (30).

ROUND 41: (3 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (24).

ROUND 42: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (18).

ROUND 43: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (12).

ROUND 44: (1 sc, 1 dec) x 4 (8).

Close with an IR and fasten off.

With white yarn, embroider the waterline of the eyes. With black embroidery thread, make the eyelids.

Arms 2x

With Natural color.

ROUND 1: 8 sc in MR.

ROUND 2: 8 sc.

Change to Milho color.

ROUND 3: 8 sl st. This is not BLO.

ROUND 4: In BLO, 8 sc.

ROUND 5: (2 sc, 1 dec) x 2 (6).

Add a little stuffing.

ROUNDS 6 TO 8: 6 sc in each round (3 rounds).

Change to Positano color, green.

ROUND 9: 6 sl st. This is not BLO.

ROUND 10: In BLO, 6 sc.

ROUND 11: 6 sc.

Close the piece with 3 sc. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

If you want, you can make spots like the ones on the tail.

Sew the arms between rounds 21 and 22, on the sides of the body.

Muzzle

With Natural color, skin tone.

ROUND 1: 8 sc in MR.

ROUND 2: 8 inc (16).

ROUND 3: 16 sc.

Change to Milho color.

ROUND 4: 16 sc.

Fasten off with an invisible finish and leave a tail for sewing.

With Marrom yarn, embroider the muzzle over approximately 3 stitches between rounds 3 and 2. With black embroidery thread, embroider the mouth.

Sew the muzzle between rounds 29 and 33, so it sits between the eyes.

Add stuffing as you finish sewing.

Ears 2x

With Milho color.

ROUND 1: 6 sc in MR.

ROUND 2: (1 sc, 1 inc) x 3 (9).

ROUND 3: 9 sc.

ROUND 4: (2 sc, 1 inc) x 3 (12).

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail for sewing.

Sew the ears between rounds 38 and 42, on the sides of the head, approximately 4 stitches away from the eyes.

Assembly and finishing

1. Sew the tail between rounds 15 and 16, centered on the back, between the legs.
2. Work the sweater detail into the loops left from round 18, using Positano and then Tomate.
3. Sew the arms between rounds 21 and 22, on the sides of the body.
4. Embroider the spots on the tail and, if you want, repeat similar spots on the arms.
5. Place the eyes between rounds 34 and 35, leaving 5 visible stitches between them.
6. Embroider the waterline with white yarn and the eyelids with black embroidery thread.
7. Embroider the muzzle with Marrom yarn, taking approximately 3 stitches between rounds 3 and 2 of the muzzle, and embroider the mouth with black thread.
8. Sew the muzzle between rounds 29 and 33, positioned between the eyes, stuffing lightly before closing completely.
9. Sew the ears between rounds 38 and 42, on the sides of the head, approximately 4 stitches away from the eyes.

My experience and tips for crocheting this amigurumi

While reviewing and organizing this pattern, the first thing that stands out is that Zayu has a small silhouette but many important details: the boots, uniform, tail, embroidered muzzle, spots, and facial expression. That is why it is best to crochet without rushing and check each color change before moving on to the next section.

For such a recognizable character as a World Cup mascot, neat color work helps a lot. The green uniform, the red and yellow details, and the jaguar spots are the elements that visually connect the doll with Zayu. If the color changes look clean, the finished piece will look much more polished and expressive.

I also recommend paying close attention when joining the legs. The original pattern says to make sure the feet face forward, and that instruction is key. If the feet are twisted, the whole body may look misaligned, especially because this doll has the pose of a sporty mascot.

For the face, use pins before sewing the muzzle and ears. Placing the eyes between rounds 34 and 35, the muzzle between rounds 29 and 33, and the ears between rounds 38 and 42 helps create that sweet jaguar expression. If this amigurumi will be used by a small child, you can replace the safety eyes with embroidered eyes for greater safety.

As a piece inspired by a 2026 World Cup mascot, this amigurumi can also look beautiful as themed decoration, a keepsake for soccer fans, or part of a handmade character collection. The loveliest thing about this design is that it brings together two very different worlds: the excitement of the World Cup and the tenderness of handmade crochet.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Zayu pattern an official FIFA pattern?

No. It is a handmade crochet pattern inspired by Zayu, Mexico’s mascot for the 2026 World Cup. It is not an official FIFA product and is not affiliated with, approved by, or sponsored by FIFA.

Can I use another yarn to crochet Zayu?

Yes, you can use another yarn with a similar thickness. Keep in mind that the finished size may change if you use a thicker or thinner yarn than the one indicated in the original pattern.

What should I do if the legs do not face forward?

Before completing the leg join, check the position of the feet. If they are twisted, adjust the number of stitches you work around the second leg before joining them.

How can I prevent the stuffing from showing?

Work with firm tension, use the recommended hook, and add stuffing little by little. In small pieces such as the arms, tail, and muzzle, too much stuffing can open the stitches.

Pattern credits

This original pattern was created by Jessiane Oliveira, amigurumi designer and creator of Arco-Íris Crochê Ateliê.

Special thanks to Jessiane for her kindness and for authorizing the publication of the translated pattern, while respecting her authorship and sharing her social media so more crocheters can discover her original work.

Visible credit in the original pattern: 2026 – Desenvolvido por Jessiane Oliveira – @arcoiriscroche.atelie.

You can follow and support the author’s work through her official social media:

• Arco-Íris Crochê Ateliê on Instagram
• Arco-Íris Crochê Ateliê on TikTok
• Arco-Íris Crochê Ateliê on Linktree

Information about Zayu, Maple, and Clutch was consulted from FIFA’s official article about the FIFA World Cup 2026 mascots: FIFA World Cup 2026 mascots.

Did you crochet it? Leave me a comment or share it on social media using #PatternsAmigurumi so I can see it.