Hundreds of football fans converged at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan on Tuesday to catch a rare glimpse of the FIFA World Cup trophy.
The iconic prize, an African country is yet to lay its hands on is on a tour of certain parts of the continent ahead of the 2026 tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The trophy arrived in Abidjan at the International Félix Houphouët-Boigny at about 10 am local time courtesy the tournament’s lead sponsor, Coca-Cola.
It was accompanied by former World Champion with France and of Ghanaian decent, Marseille Desailly.
He told journalists at that with nine countries participating in the expanded World Cup, “one will reach the final.”
He tipped trophy hosts Ivory Coast, though he would love Ghana to reach the final.
The trophy was taken to the presidency and to vice president’s office before it made its way to Sofitel Hotel for the public viewing and picture opportunities.
The hotel a sea of flags, replica jerseys and camera phones, with supporters from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and across the continent and many social media content creators getting closer to the most recognisable football symbol.
Some fans who spoke to Joy Sports, the moment was one of pride.
“I feel proud that the World Cup trophy is here in Africa,” one Ivorian fan said.
She, however, stated that, “I hope Cote d’Ivoire makes it to the quarter-finals.”
Another supporter echoed the sentiment, saying the sight of the trophy was more than ceremonial. “When you see it up close, it inspires you,” she said. “It tells you that you can be a winner in life, not only in football.”
A young female fan, draped in an Ivory Coast flag, described the experience as unforgettable. “This is history for us,” she claims. “Seeing the trophy gives young Africans belief that one day, we can lift it.”
Among the crowd were several Ghanaians, for whom the trophy stirred powerful memories of past World Cup campaigns.
“This trophy is for us,” Ghanaian social media influencer, KalyJay said.
The Abidjan stop forms part of FIFA’s wider effort to take the World Cup closer to fans across different continents ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament in 2026.
The next stop is Egypt.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
