The world is gripped by the frenzy of the Football World Cup. For the past two decades, 32 countries have competed for a single trophy, which has now increased to 48 teams. Ahead of the tournament, FIFA organises trophy tours in many of its member countries, overseen for many years by its long-term sponsor, Coca-Cola.
The 2026 World Cup trophy is set to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow. Coca-Cola had issued a related notice several weeks ago, but so far no formal announcement or directive has been made about the trophy’s arrival. In previous years, press conferences were held a day or a few days before the trophy arrived, but this time the visit is taking place quietly. Despite being one of the most coveted items in the world, there is little fanfare surrounding its arrival in Dhaka.
Currently, the World Cup trophy is in neighbouring India. According to Indian media reports, after a three-day tour covering Delhi and Guwahati, the trophy is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh tomorrow. While it will stay in India for three days, its time in Bangladesh will be less than 24 hours. It is expected to arrive at 10:00 am and will leave for another country the same night for further display, according to various sources.
Although the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is a FIFA member, it is not directly involved in organising the trophy exhibition. Everything is managed under FIFA’s sponsor, Coca-Cola. BFF officials, along with current and former footballers, will have the opportunity to take photos with the trophy. In addition, those who have won Coca-Cola’s World Cup promotions in recent days will also get a chance to take photos with the trophy. Special guests invited by Coca-Cola will have the opportunity to see the World Cup trophy as well.
Upon arrival, there will be a brief formal ceremony at the airport. Sources connected to the trophy confirmed that BIDA chairman Ashik Chowdhury and various government officials will attend the welcoming event. The trophy will then be taken directly to the Radisson Hotel, where the exhibition will run from the afternoon until evening. In previous years, the Brazil and Qatar World Cup trophies also toured Bangladesh, and on both occasions the display took place at the Radisson Hotel. A planned exhibition at the National Stadium in 2013 did not materialise.
On previous tours, a former French footballer had accompanied the trophy. This time, Brazilian former footballer Gilberto Silva, a member of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team, will be arriving alongside the trophy and is currently in India.
