The original FIFA World Cup Trophy returned to India after a gap of twelve years as part of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Tour marks another milestone in Coca-Cola’s long-standing partnership with FIFA, spanning over five decades. The Tour began with a FIFA Charter Landing, followed by the official unveiling of the Trophy at Taj Mahal Hotel. The event was attended by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, FIFA legend Gilberto D’Silva, sports historian Boria Majumdar, and senior leadership from Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sports has become a national priority, playing a key role in youth development and India’s goal of becoming a top sporting nation by 2047.
The Trophy Tour will travel across 30 countries with 75 stops worldwide, giving fans rare access to football history. The original Trophy, made of 18-carat solid gold and weighing 6.175 kg, has been in use since 1974.
In Kolkata, a city deeply rooted in football culture, the Trophy Tour is expected to generate strong consumer engagement. Industry observers say such global sporting activations help brands like Coca-Cola strengthen emotional connections with football-loving audiences in the Kolkata market, especially among youth and grassroots communities. The initiative is also likely to boost on-ground brand visibility and reinforce Kolkata’s identity as one of India’s traditional football hubs. The Tour also integrates Coca-Cola India’s #MaidaanSaaf initiative, promoting responsible waste management at large public events.