Now officially: Zabivaka the wolf beats a tiger and a cat in a FIFA 2018 mascot vote

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The 2018 FIFA World Cup got a little wolf named Zabivaka as a mascot in what FIFA calls the most engaging mascot election ever.

The word “Zabivaka” could be roughly translated as “the one who scores.” The light-footed wolf, developed by a student designer, beat a tiger and a cat in a large-scale voting. More than a million people cast their votes at fifa.com. The voting process ended in a ceremony broadcast on television that featured officials and Brazil’s legendary forward Ronaldo.

“I am sure Zabivaka will be a massive hit among fans at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia,” deputy prime minister charged with preparations to the tournament Vitaly Mutko said.

The 2018 World Cup matches will take place in 11 cities across Russia. In the summer 2017, four cities will host the Confederations Cup.