Following the recently announced Trophy Tour, the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy was unveiled in New Delhi on January 10, 2026, after a 12-year absence. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, FIFA ambassador Gilberto Silva, and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey led the ceremony, inspiring fans ahead of the three-day visit to Delhi and Guwahati.
The 18-carat gold trophy (6.175 kg) arrived at the Taj Mansingh hotel as part of FIFA and Coca-Cola's global Trophy Tour, marking the first leg in India since 2014. The event highlighted football's growing popularity in the country, now boasting over 100 million fans.
Gilberto Silva, former Brazil international, shared his delight: "We always heard that in India cricket is very popular, and I was very happy to discover that football is also so loved in India. Back in the day, growing up in my village in Brazil, I would look up to the football stars as my idols, and now, due to this game, I have also become famous, it feels great."
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey stressed its inspirational impact: “The World Cup is the highest dream in world football... seeing the trophy in India reminds young fans that the global dream is real and reachable.” He emphasized grassroots development and global exposure for Indian players.
Minister Mandaviya tied it to national ambitions: “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, sports has emerged as a national priority... This resonates with our aspiration to position India among the world’s top five sporting nations by 2047.”
Coca-Cola India President Sanket Ray noted the partnership's role in delivering landmark moments.
The trophy will be on display in Delhi for two days before heading to Guwahati, as part of a tour across 30 FIFA associations and 75 stops. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams across Canada, USA, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.