The Golden World Cup Trophy Arrives in Dhaka Today

In a thrilling prelude to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the illustrious golden trophy is set to make a brief but highly anticipated stop in Dhaka today, 148 days before the tournament kicks off. The one-day visit forms part of the global “FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola,” offering fans a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of football’s most coveted prize. Accompanying the trophy is Brazilian midfield legend Gilberto Silva, a member of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad and former Arsenal star.

Arrival and Reception
The trophy will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport aboard a chartered flight routing through Pakistan and India early this morning. It will be formally received by Tabith Awal, President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). From the airport, the trophy will be transported under tight security to the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Unlike previous visits, such as in 2022, there will be no public concerts or exhibitions. Access will be strictly limited to winners of Coca-Cola’s “Under the Cap” campaign, who will have the exclusive chance to view the trophy and take photographs later in the afternoon.

Limited Player Participation
National team captain Jamal Bhuiyan and young forward Sheikh Morsalin are expected to attend the event, according to sources. However, ongoing domestic league matches make the presence of other male and female players uncertain. Fahad Karim, BFF Vice President and Chairman of the Marketing Committee, explained, “We cannot guarantee the attendance of all players. The trophy arrives in the morning and is received by Mr Awal, after which a short session of thirty minutes to one hour may be held for BFF officials and select guests. The event is intentionally brief.” When asked about female players, he added, “Their participation is not confirmed. Most are currently with their clubs. Last-minute changes are possible, but nothing is set in stone.”

A Historic Global Tour
The trophy’s journey began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the care of Italian football icon Alessandro Del Piero and will eventually visit 75 countries ahead of the June-July 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Dhaka’s visit is brief, but for Bangladeshi fans who live and breathe football, even a fleeting glimpse of the trophy is electrifying. Though the national team will not participate in the tournament and the red-and-green jersey will not yet grace the world stage, the sight of the trophy so close to home is enough to stir immense excitement.

Key Details of the Dhaka Visit