Penguin Tazuni has been unveiled as the official mascot of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The design is based on the Eudyptula minor species found in both host countries, and the name combines the Tasman Sea and the word unity.
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said that Tazuni incorporated the main goals of the Women’s World Cup, and that the unveiling of the mascot was a “major milestone” on the road to the event.
“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,” Samoura said.
Chief women’s football officer at FIFA Sarai Bareman argued that Tazuni represented a mascot befitting of the tournament.
“Tazuni is the perfect mascot for this tournament, exemplifying 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,” Bareman said.
“Like millions of youngsters worldwide, football is how Tazuni expresses herself, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 will provide inspiration for a new generation of football fans and participants from across the globe.”
The Women’s World Cup is due to be held from July 20 to August 2, 2023, with 29 teams qualified and a further three places to be decided in the inter-continental playoffs.
It is set to be the largest edition of the tournament to date, as it has expanded from 24 teams in 2019 to 32. –Insidethegames.biz
