Toronto’s giant World Cup-themed beavers were a little hard to miss this summer (I mean, they were four feet tall). The sculptures popped up across Old Town Toronto as part of the Great Beaver Quest, a massive public art scavenger hunt celebrating FIFA 2026.
Explorers were challenged to track down the hand-painted beavers scattered throughout the neighbourhood, with each sculpture inspired by a different country and designed by a local artist. The project ran from late May to mid-August, and now the beavers are being auctioned off! If you want a piece of Toronto’s World Cup history, bidding ends Aug. 24 at 9 p.m.
There are tons of memorable options. The Canadian Motif: Maple Leaf Forever beaver was designed by Toronto illustrator Emily Cote and is covered in maple leaves inspired by species native to Canada (as of publication, it had a bid of $5,550, making it one of the auction’s hottest items).
Or if you’re a huge soccer fan, try for the Spain Beaver! Spain is fresh off winning the 2026 World Cup, its second title after first taking the trophy in 2010. Artist Thelia Sanders Shelton based the design on memories of celebrating that 2010 victory with her Spanish mother, incorporating imagery of a bull and bullfighter to represent instinct, strength and symbols closely associated with Spain (as of publication, the sculpture had a current bid of $1,375).
The England Beaver, meanwhile, mixes the country’s football history with 1960s pop art and even incorporates the year 1966, honouring England’s only World Cup victory (it was last sitting at $4,500.13!).
For bargain hunters, the Congo DR Beaver had the lowest bid as of publication at $1,075. The sculpture was designed by illustrator and mural artist JinKe Wang, and draws inspo from Congolese wax print, with layered patterns influenced by the movement of the Congo River and the rhythms of music and dance. Its face and limbs are finished in gold, adding a sense of warmth, strength and celebration.
Proceeds from the auction will support Toronto’s First Post Office & Museum and KidSport Ontario. So, an amazing conversation starter that supports a good cause? We’re all for it. You can check out all of the auction pieces here.