Abidjan was swept up in football fever on Tuesday as the Original FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived in Côte d’Ivoire, transforming the country’s economic capital into a centre of pride, unity, and celebration during the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.

The iconic prize received an official welcome from Prime Minister His Excellency Beugre Mambe at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, marking a historic moment for Ivorian football supporters and offering fans a rare opportunity to see the world’s most coveted football trophy up close.

“Hosting the Original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy is a proud moment for our nation,” Prime Minister Mambe said at the ceremony. “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.”

Thousands of fans, athletes, and community members gathered to celebrate the trophy’s arrival, highlighting Côte d’Ivoire’s deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game.

The Abidjan stop featured lively fan activities, including public viewing sessions with photo opportunities alongside the trophy, interactive football games, and a concert showcasing some of the country’s leading music stars.

The visit formed part of the sixth global FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which marks 20 years of bringing the Original Trophy closer to supporters around the world. Over the past two decades, more than four million fans across 182 markets have taken part 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, praised the emotional connection created during the Abidjan stop.

“The energy and passion from fans in Côte d’Ivoire was truly inspiring,” Bila said. “This tour brings people together to celebrate their love of football and experience the powerful emotions that only this game can ignite. It reflects our commitment to inspiring moments of happiness through shared experiences.”

FIFA also commended the enthusiasm of Ivorian supporters, with Chief Business Officer Romy Gai highlighting the tour’s unifying impact.

“We are delighted with the incredible enthusiasm shown by fans in Côte d’Ivoire,” Gai said. “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 presence to the occasion, former France and Ghana defender Marcel Desailly described the Abidjan stop as particularly special.

“It’s always inspiring to see how much joy and pride the World Cup Trophy brings to fans,” Desailly said. “The excitement here shows the incredible passion this nation has for football and makes moments like this truly memorable.”

Ivory Coast was the only West African nation included on this leg of the tour.

The Original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy, crafted from 18-carat solid gold and weighing 6.175 kilograms, has been used since 1974. One of the most recognisable symbols in global sport, it remains in FIFA’s possession at all times and may only be handled by former World Cup winners and heads of state.

As one of FIFA’s longest-standing partners and a World Cup sponsor since 1978, Coca-Cola continues to promote optimism, connection, and sustainability through football. The company has also incorporated recycling initiatives and environmentally efficient transport methods into the global tour.

The Abidjan stop followed earlier visits to Egypt and South Africa. After Côte d’Ivoire, the trophy will travel to North Africa, including Morocco — a co-host of the 2030 World Cup — before continuing to Algeria and then heading to North America.