The FIFA World Cup trophy has arrived in Bangladesh as part of its global tour, touching down in Dhaka on Tuesday with former Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva accompanying it as a FIFA ambassador.
The trophy reached the capital via Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, marking Bangladesh’s fourth opportunity to host football’s most recognisable prize. It previously visited the country in 2002, 2013 and 2022.
This latest tour began on 3 January, with Saudi Arabia as the first destination. After visiting several countries, Bangladesh is one of the scheduled stops before the trophy continues its journey across the world. In total, the World Cup trophy will travel for 150 days and make appearances in 75 locations.
Silva, a member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad, is travelling with the trophy as part of FIFA’s outreach programme, designed to bring the tournament closer to fans in non-host nations.
In Dhaka, access to the trophy has been limited. Only winners selected through Coca-Cola’s “Under the Cap” promotional campaign are able to see the trophy up close. Following a brief reception ceremony at the airport, the trophy was taken to the Radisson Blu Hotel in the city, where it will remain on display until the evening before departing Bangladesh.
The tour will conclude in Mexico, one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament’s opening match is scheduled to take place on 12 June at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
