Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) -The coveted FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Dhaka today (Wednesday) morning as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.

The trophy, accompanied by Brazilian 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and FIFA ambassador Gilberto da Silva, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 10 am. Bangladesh national football team's captain Jamal Bhuyan was present there. 

Jamal, who was excited by receiving the World Cup champion footballer and the trophy together, in his reaction said: "Honestly, it was a great experience. Gilberto is coming with the World Cup trophy. This is the first time I am seeing the World Cup trophy face to face. It feels great to me." 

The trophy later then taken to Hotel Radisson Blu, where it was displayed till the afternoon, allowing selected fans and invited guests to view the trophy.

It was learned that Coca-Cola's special campaign ended on January 8 last. Participants had to purchase specific promotional bottles and take part in a FIFA-themed quiz by scanning a QR code. From there, the selected winners received exclusive passes, which will allow them to see the trophy.

The sixth edition of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola has begun in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The global tour was inaugurated by Italian football legend and 2006 World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero. The officials of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were also present in the opening ceremony. 

During the Riyadh leg, Del Piero took part in a football clinic with children and at the end of the day, a public fan event was organised for the general public. From there, the trophy began its journey to various countries across the globe. 

The trophy will be displayed at a total of seventy five locations across thirty FIFA member countries during this tour. The entire tour will last for more than one fifty days. In line with this, the arrival of the trophy in Dhaka carries special significance for football fans in Bangladesh.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest tournament in history. For the first time, three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - are jointly going to host the tournament. Forty eight teams will participate in this World Cup. There will be a total of 104 matches.

This year's trophy tour is special because it celebrates twenty years of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. Over the past twenty years, the trophy has traveled to 182 of the 211 FIFA member countries.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is emphasizing eco-friendly initiatives in each country. As part of the tour, various sustainable initiatives are being implemented, including packaging collection and recycling activities.

FIFA has had a long-standing relationship with Coca-Cola since 1976. Coca-Cola has been an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup since 1978.