FIFA World Cup Trophy Arrives in Riyadh to Launch Global 2026 Tour

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour 2026 officially began in Riyadh on Saturday, as the iconic trophy arrived in the Saudi capital to mark the start of a 150-day global journey ahead of the tournament in North America.

The trophy was flown into King Khalid International Airport aboard a private aircraft and unveiled on the tarmac by Italian football legend and World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero. Riyadh is the first stop in an ambitious tour that will feature 75 appearances across 30 countries, organised by FIFA in partnership with Coca-Cola.

Del Piero was joined at the airport by former Saudi national team stars Majed Abdullah and Fuad Anwar, along with officials from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, to receive the solid gold prize. The event marked the formal countdown to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July.

Following the airport ceremony, Del Piero took part in a football clinic for local children, leading on-pitch drills and engaging with young players. The day’s celebrations concluded with a public trophy unveiling at a major shopping mall in Riyadh, attracting hundreds of fans and extensive regional media coverage.

According to organisers, the sixth edition of the trophy tour is designed to visit every FIFA member association that has qualified for the upcoming tournament, along with several additional global destinations. The initiative aims to build excitement and connect fans worldwide with football’s most coveted prize.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in the competition’s history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. Following its Riyadh appearance, the trophy is set to continue to its next international destination, with FIFA expected to reveal further stops in phases over the coming months.