As Russia has chosen a mascot for the world football showpiece, and they have decided to go with a wolf. The choice was made through an online poll in the host nation, with the result broadcast on live TV.

The wolf's name is "Zabivaka," which means "one who scores" in Russian, and it was presented during a popular late-night show on Pervy Kanal State Television.

Other options for the tournament mascots were a cat and a tiger, but they were no match for the wolf, who garnered 53 percent of the votes, while the tiger gained the support of almost 27 percent, and the cat received about 20 percent.

More than one million people voted in the contest, following what FIFA said was "the most engaging creative process" for selecting an official mascot in its history.

Russia will host the World Cup from June 14th through July 15th, 2018. Matches are to take place in 11 cities including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Sochi.