The iconic trophy was officially welcomed by the Prime Minister of the Republic, His Excellency Beugre Mambe, marking a historic moment for Ivorian football fans and offering a rare opportunity to experience the most coveted prize in world football up close.
“Hosting the Original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy is a proud moment for our nation,” Prime Minister Beugre Mambe said at the official welcome ceremony at the Felix-Houphouet-Boigny International Airport.
“Football has the power to inspire hope, joy, and togetherness, values that resonate deeply with our people. We thank Coca-Cola and FIFA for bringing this extraordinary experience to our shores,” Mambe added.
Thousands of fans, athletes and community members gathered to celebrate the trophy’s arrival, displaying Cote d’Ivoire’s deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game.
The Abidjan stop featured vibrant fan activations, including a public viewing experience with photo opportunities alongside the trophy, interactive football games, and a vibrant concert showcasing some of the country’s most iconic music stars.
The visit forms part of the sixth global FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which marks 20 years of the tour bringing the Original Trophy closer to fans around the world.
Over the past two decades, more than four million fans across 182 markets have participated in the experience. For the 2026 edition, the trophy will visit 30 FIFA Member Associations across 75 stops and more than 150 tour days.
Rodrigue Bila, Vice President of Franchise Operations for West, Islands and Mid-Africa at the Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit, highlighted the emotional connection created by the tour in Abidjan.
“The energy and passion from fans in Cote d’Ivoire was truly inspiring,” Bila said. “Through the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, we’re thrilled to have brought people together to celebrate their love of football and experience the emotion that only this game can ignite. This tour embodies our commitment to refreshing the world and inspiring moments of happiness through shared experiences.”
FIFA also praised the enthusiasm shown by Ivorian supporters, with Chief Business Officer Romy Gai admiring the tour’s unifying impact.
“We are delighted with the incredible enthusiasm shown by fans in Cote d’Ivoire. The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola continues to unite people from all walks of life through the shared joy of the beautiful game.”
Adding a legendary touch to the occasion was former France and Ghana defender Marcel Desailly, who described the Abidjan stop as particularly special.
“It’s always special to see how much joy and pride the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy brings to fans around the world.
The excitement here in Cote d’Ivoire shows the incredible passion this nation has for football, and it makes moments like this truly memorable.”
The Original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy, made of 18-carat solid gold and weighing 6.175 kilograms, has been in use since 1974. As one of the most recognisable symbols in global sport, it remains in FIFA’s possession at all times and can only be touched by a select group that includes former World Cup winners and heads of state.
As one of FIFA’s longest-standing partners and a sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ since 1978, Coca-Cola continues to champion optimism, connection and sustainability through football. The company has also integrated recycling initiatives and more efficient transportation practices into the global tour as part of its wider sustainability journey.
The Abidjan stop follows previous visits to Egypt and South Africa. After Cote d’Ivoire, the trophy will head to North Africa, passing through Morocco who are co-hosts of the World Cup in four years’ time. After which the tour will continue in Algeria before heading to North America.
