Tikay the Turtle: Official Mascot for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025

It has been revealed that a sea turtle named Tikay will be the official mascot of the upcoming 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. The mascot, who will be present at all events related to the tournament, was unveiled during a small ceremony held at Beau Vallon Beach on Friday afternoon. Various guests attended the event, including President Wavel Ramkalawan.

“Today marks another step forward. We had the official ball launch, then the poster, and now the mascot, which shows that things are moving closer,” said the President after the mascot was revealed. President Ramkalawan also announced that the stadium’s construction will start soon, ensuring Seychelles will be ready to welcome the world to its shores.

“This is the first time one of our teams will compete in such a high-level tournament, so everyone must support the team and enjoy the experience,” he added.

The mascot, Tikay, represents Seychelles through the symbolic hawksbill turtle—a protected species under Seychellois law that frequently comes to the islands’ beaches to lay eggs.

The mascot launch event is taking place over two weekends across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. The event aims to engage young football fans, particularly boys and girls aged 8 to 12, by offering an interactive and exciting experience celebrating the sport. Attendees will not only meet the official mascot but also enjoy the thrill of beach soccer, with an emphasis on inspiring the next generation of players.

The launch is designed as a fun-filled occasion to promote sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. On Friday, the first group of schoolchildren from Beau Vallon, Bel Ombre, Perseverance, and Independent School had the honor of seeing Tikay for the first time. They also had the opportunity to play beach soccer with some players from the Seychelles national team.

Each day, 40 students from nearby primary schools will be transported to event locations, where they will enjoy beach football, interact with the mascot, and receive exclusive World Cup T-shirts, snacks, and refreshments.

The event continues today and tomorrow. It will take place at Anse Royale Beach from 10 a.m., featuring children from Anse Royale, Au Cap, Anse Aux Pins, and International School. Tomorrow, it will move to Grand Anse Mahé Beach, with participation from students of Port Glaud, Grand Anse Mahé, La Misère, and Ecole Française.

Next week, the event will shift to Praslin. On Friday, students from Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, and Vijay International schools will take part, followed by La Digue on Sunday.

“This initiative aims to create a lasting impact on young football enthusiasts, fostering excitement and engagement ahead of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025,” stated the Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

The LOC encourages the public to join in and support the young participants as they cheer on the mascot and embrace the tournament spirit.

The 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup will be the 13th edition of the tournament, taking place from May 1 to May 11, 2025. This will mark the first time Seychelles hosts a FIFA tournament and the first Beach Soccer World Cup in Africa. Brazil are the defending champions.