The world’s most coveted football prize has officially landed in India. After a gap of 12 years, the original FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, January 10, 2026, as part of its global tour.
The arrival has sparked a wave of excitement across the country, serving as a high-profile countdown to the tournament set to kick off on June 11, 2026, in North America.
1. The Grand Unveiling in Delhi
The trophy was officially unveiled at a high-profile ceremony in the national capital.
- The Dignitaries: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the unveiling alongside FIFA legend and former Brazilian World Cup winner Gilberto Silva.
- Key Presence: The ceremony was also attended by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, who highlighted the trophy’s role in inspiring the nation’s youth.
- The Message: Minister Mandaviya emphasized that the trophy’s presence is a vital pillar of nation-building and aligns with the government’s long-term vision to make India a top sporting nation by 2047.
2. Historical Context and Trophy Facts
This visit is particularly significant as it is the first time the original trophy has been on Indian soil since 2014.
- The Trophy: Made of 18-carat solid gold and weighing 6.175 kg, the current design features two human figures holding up the Earth and dates back to 1974.
- Global Tour: India is one of 30 member nations included in the current world tour, which will cover 75 stops over 150 days worldwide.
3. India Tour Schedule: Delhi and Guwahati
The trophy is on a brief three-day stay in the country before it continues its journey across the globe.
| Date | Location | Event Details |
| Jan 10–11 | New Delhi | Two-day display for fans and stakeholders in the capital at the Taj Mansingh. |
| Jan 13 | Guwahati | A historic first-ever visit to Northeast India. The trophy will be unveiled at the Barsapara Stadium by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. |
4. Inspiring the “100 Million” Fanbase
While the Indian national team continues its journey in the international rankings, officials used the event to highlight the growing popularity of the sport.
- Fan Growth: AIFF leadership noted that India’s football fanbase has now crossed the 100 million mark and continues to grow rapidly.
- Youth Aspiration: Gilberto Silva shared his joy at the enthusiasm he witnessed in India, noting that seeing the trophy up close will inspire the next generation of players to dream of global success.
- Grassroots Focus: The event served as a platform to reiterate the focus on grassroots development, strengthening coaching, and creating global exposure for Indian talent.
5. Looking Ahead: World Cup 2026
The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring:
- 48 Teams (up from 32).
- 104 Matches across 16 host cities.
- Host Nations: USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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