New Delhi: The FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy after being unveiled throughout an occasion, in New Delhi, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (PTI Photograph/Karma Bhutia)(PTI01_10_2026_000345A)
| Photograph Credit score:
Karma Bhutia
Forward of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the match set to kick off on June 11, the unique trophy arrived in India on Saturday as a part of its world tour.
The unique trophy was unveiled right here at a ceremony within the presence of former Brazilian World Cup-winning participant and FIFA legend Gilberto D’Silva and Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports activities Mansukh Mandaviya.
D’Silva mentioned the trophy will encourage kids in India to play extra soccer, similar to they play cricket.
“…this trophy …is to encourage so many younger youngsters, encourage the subsequent era of gamers, ladies and boys to change into profitable additionally right here in soccer, as they’ve achieved in different sports activities, particularly in cricket,” he mentioned.
The World Cup trophy has come to India after a niche of just about 12 years as a part of its worldwide tour. The trophy tour is being organised by international beverage main Coca-Cola, the official companion of the FIFA World Cup.
Throughout its three-day India tour, the trophy will probably be in Delhi for 2 days earlier than being taken to Guwahati in Assam.
Talking on the event, Mandaviya mentioned, the trophy will encourage the youth of the nation in the direction of the sport of soccer.
The federal government is working to develop a tradition of sports activities within the nation, which has the most important variety of youths globally.
“Underneath the management of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, sports activities has emerged as a nationwide precedence,” he mentioned, including, “We’re working to carry India among the many top-ten sporting nations of the world in a decade by 2036.” The federal government is working below initiatives resembling ‘Match India Motion’ and ‘Khelo India’, that are selling health and sports activities, with Khelo India specializing in grassroots sports activities growth.
As India aspires to change into a developed nation by 2047, sports activities will stand as an important pillar of nation-building and youth empowerment, he added.
Sanket Ray, President, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, mentioned that sports activities have emerged as a really sturdy, highly effective pillar of nationwide constructing.
“The reason being intently aligned with Vikshit Bharat 2047, the place younger India are empowered to steer, compete and excel on the world stage. Coca-Cola’s affiliation with the FIFA World Cup brings this nationwide give attention to sports activities and youth affiliation to life,” Ray mentioned.
Coca-Cola has been an official companion for the FIFA World Cup since 1978 and has been often selling it internationally, he mentioned.
Throughout its international journey, the trophy will go to 30 FIFA member associations (international locations) throughout 75 stops and over 150 tour days, providing followers an unimaginable alternative to expertise the joys and connection of soccer.
The trophy, fabricated from 18-carat strong gold, weighing 6.175 kg, options two human figures holding the globe above them. The design dates again to 1974.
Revealed on January 11, 2026
