A “fun, football-loving” penguin named Tazuni has been revealed as the official mascot for the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand next year.
Tazuni is 15-years-old and is based on the ‘Eudyptula minor’ species endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Her name is a fusion of ‘Tasman Sea’ and ‘unity’.
In the campaign video the penguin is shown to fall in love with football when she joins in with a group of children playing the sport on the beach.
Tazuni will become an important symbol for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand, appearing on official tournament merchandise and media platforms, as well as in real life in community activities ahead of the event.
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura says the announcement today is a major milestone for the tournament.
“Tazuni stands for everything which makes the Women’s World Cup unique, and her story will resonate with millions of young fans around the world.
“We look forward to her playing a starring role in the tournament and helping to inspire the next generation as we continue to take women’s football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Beyond Greatness.”
Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer says the penguin is the “perfect mascot for this tournament”, representing “all that is positive about the biggest women’s football event ever staged, and our sport-obsessed host nations who are ready to welcome the world”.
“Like millions of youngsters worldwide, football is how Tazuni expresses herself, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will provide inspiration for a new generation of football fans and participants from across the globe.”
Fans will be able to see Tazuni live for the first time at the tournament’s draw on October 22.
Watch the campaign video here.
