The World Cup - soccer in general - seems to have escaped its once-stubborn naffness

A reflective commentary on the World Cup argues that the tournament has outgrown the sport’s “old” quirks and imperfections, replaced by an overwhelming sense of polished efficiency. The piece describes how, from afar, venues look spectacular and officiating and television coverage seem adequate. It focuses on the Day-Glo mascots introduced for matches across North America, naming Maple the Moose for Canada, Zayu the Jaguar for Mexico, and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the United States. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is quoted praising the mascots as central to an “atmosphere” for the “game-changing tournament.” The article then recounts an anecdote from Lima, where police dressed as the trio during a suspected drug-den operation. It contrasts the modern branding with earlier mascot traditions, citing references to World Cup mascots from past decades.