The Far Eastern leopard is one of 10 candidates for the mascot of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The others are the Amur tiger, a wolf, the firebird, a cat, a bear, an ancient Russian bogatyr warrior, an alien, an astronaut and a robot. What the mascot must have without a doubt is a football and cleats. Other elements could include a whistle, a watch, football gloves and a backpack.

Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko believes that the mascot must also be identified with Russia. “The World Cup is much more than 64 matches in 11 Russian cities in the summer of 2018,” he said. “We want everyone around the world to be aware of the approaching football event, including children. I’m sure that the 2018 mascot will be cherished by all fans who come to Russia to enjoy the special atmosphere of the championship.”

The 10 characters for the mascot were chosen after a public online vote. Students of Russian art schools are to submit their drawings of the mascot for the second stage of the campaign this autumn. After that, a jury will select the three best drawings for public voting next spring.