FIFA Trophy Tour Rolls On As Africa Welcomes Football’s Holy Grail
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
THE FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola continues its global journey with the arrival of the Original FIFA World Cup Trophy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, following a high-profile African run through Egypt and South Africa.
Africa’s chapter of the tour began in Cairo on 4 and 5 January 2026, drawing strong public engagement as fans were offered a rare chance to experience the iconic trophy. The Cairo stop symbolised Africa’s growing influence in global football and set the stage for the continent’s inclusion in the worldwide countdown to the 2026 World Cup.
The tour then moved to South Africa, where the trophy made stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town. A key highlight came on 31 January, when President Cyril Ramaphosa formally received the trophy in Pretoria, underscoring South Africa’s historic ties to the game.
South Africa remains a landmark nation in football history, having hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and recently qualifying again after a long absence. The trophy’s presence was viewed as both a celebration of past achievements and inspiration for future success.
The final South African event took place on 1 February at Battery Park, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, where fan enthusiasm reached capacity. Organisers described the turnout as evidence of football’s enduring appeal and emotional connection across the continent.
With Cairo, Johannesburg, and Cape Town completed, the trophy now heads to Abidjan on 3 February, before continuing to Casablanca (4 February), Porto (6 February), Madrid (7 February), Algiers (8–9 February), Paris (10 February), and Central America.
As the tour progresses, Africa’s stops continue to underline the continent’s passion for football and its integral place in the story of the world’s greatest sporting prize.
