October 19 – Tazuni, described as a fun, football-loving penguin, is the Official Mascot of the Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.
The name Tazuni is a fusion of her home – the Tasman Sea – and ‘unity’, a key value of the event to be co-hosted by Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023 that has as its tag line Beyond Greatness.
“Streetwise and confident, Tazuni stands out from the crowd thanks to her signature blue tuft of hair. Her name is a fusion of ‘Tasman Sea’ – which she calls home – and ‘unity’, a key value of the event,” said FIFA.
Tazuni’s story is that she is a 15-year-old, who plays in midfield, falls in love with football after joining in with a group of kids playing a game on the beach. She is good at the game and progresses to the big stage to parade her talents.
Tazuni will appear 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 will make her debut in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau at the tournament’s Draw on 22 October.
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