Auckland: Tazuni, a fun, football-loving penguin is unveiled on Wednesday as the official mascot of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, capturing the spirit of an event that will go Beyond Greatness.
“Based on the ‘Eudyptula minor’ species endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, Tazuni is the perfect representative of the host region and will help to bring the excitement of the highly anticipated tournament to a new generation of fans,” the FIFA said in a release.
Streetwise and confident, Tazuni’s name is a fusion of ‘Tasman Sea’ – which she calls home – and ‘unity’, a key value of the event.
Tazuni will become an important symbol for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, 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 said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone on the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand. 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.”
Tazuni’s first live appearance will be in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau at the tournament’s Draw on 22 October.
