The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola lit up Abidjan on Tuesday as His Excellency Prime Minister Beugré Mambé officially welcomed the Original FIFA World Cup Trophy to Côte d’Ivoire, turning the capital into a stage for national pride, unity and football celebration.
The arrival of football’s most coveted prize drew thousands of fans, athletes and community groups, many of whom gathered for a rare opportunity to see the iconic trophy up close as it continued its African journey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“Hosting the Original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy is a proud moment for our nation,” Prime Minister Beugré Mambé said. “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”.
The Abidjan stop featured a range of fan-focused activities, including a public viewing session that allowed supporters to take photographs with the trophy, a high-energy concert headlined by celebrated Ivorian music stars, and interactive games designed to bring communities together around their shared love for football.
Coca-Cola Africa described the Côte d’Ivoire leg of the tour as a powerful reflection of the country’s deep-rooted football culture.
“The energy and passion from fans in Côte d’Ivoire was truly inspiring. Through the FIFA a 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,” said Rodrigue Bila, Vice President, Franchise Operations, West, Islands and Mid-Africa, at the Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit. “This tour embodies our commitment to refreshing the world and inspiring moments of happiness through shared experiences.”
FIFA also praised the reception the trophy received in Abidjan, noting the tour’s wider mission of connecting fans across continents.
“We are delighted with the incredible enthusiasm shown by fans in Côte d’Ivoire,” said Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business. “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.”
Former World Cup winner and FIFA Legend Marcel Desailly, who was part of the celebrations, highlighted the emotional impact of the visit.
“It’s always special to see how much joy and pride the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy brings to fans around the world,” Desailly said. “The excitement here in Côte d’Ivoire shows the incredible passion this nation has for football, and it makes moments like this truly memorable.”
Beyond the spectacle, Coca-Cola reaffirmed its long-standing relationship with FIFA and its broader sustainability commitments. As one of FIFA’s longest-standing partners and a sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ since 1978, the company said it is working with local teams during the Trophy Tour to support sustainability initiatives, including collection and recycling efforts and more efficient transportation.
The Abidjan celebrations once again underlined football’s unique ability to unite nations and inspire generations, with the World Cup trophy serving not just as a symbol of sporting excellence, but as a shared dream for fans across Côte d’Ivoire, Africa and the world.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
