The original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy arrived in Abidjan on Tuesday as part of the global FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour, sponsored by Coca-Cola. Its visit to Côte d’Ivoire marks a key stop on the tour’s African leg, building anticipation for the expanded 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The trophy landed at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport around 10:00 a.m. local time, accompanied by FIFA and Coca-Cola officials. Former France national team captain and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, a global ambassador for the tour, was also present.
Following its arrival, the trophy was formally presented at the Presidency and the Office of the Vice President. It was then transported to the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan for a period of public viewing and media engagements.
The event attracted football stakeholders, content creators, and supporters from across Côte d’Ivoire and the continent. During the visit, Desailly emphasized Africa’s growing prominence in international football. With the 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams, nine African nations are now slated to compete. Desailly noted the increased opportunity for the continent, specifically mentioning Côte d’Ivoire among the nations with potential to advance, alongside other African representatives.
The Abidjan stop is part of a broader African tour that commenced in Cairo, Egypt, on January 4-5. The trophy subsequently traveled to South Africa, where it was received by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria on January 31 and featured in a public activation in Cape Town on February 1. After concluding its time in Abidjan, the tour proceeded to Casablanca, Morocco, with further confirmed stops in Porto, Portugal; Madrid, Spain; Algiers, Algeria; Paris, France; and cities in Guatemala.
The Trophy Tour is a FIFA initiative designed to bring the iconic symbol of football’s highest achievement closer to fans worldwide ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The journey underscores the tournament’s expanding global footprint and highlights Africa’s increased representation, reflecting the continent’s significant and growing role in the sport.
