FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola Electrifies Abidjan
Abidjan came alive on Tuesday as the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola arrived in Côte d’Ivoire, with His Excellency Prime Minister Beugré Mambé officially welcoming the iconic Original FIFA World Cup Trophy to the country.
The visit turned the Ivorian capital into a vibrant hub of national pride, unity and football celebration, as thousands of fans, athletes and community groups gathered for a rare chance to see football’s most coveted prize up close. The Abidjan stop formed part of the trophy’s African journey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“Hosting the Original FIFA World Cup Trophy is a proud moment for our nation. 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,” Prime Minister Beugré Mambé said.
The event featured a range of fan-centred activities, including public viewing sessions that allowed supporters to take photographs with the trophy, interactive games aimed at uniting communities, and a high-energy concert headlined by leading Ivorian music stars.
Coca-Cola Africa described the Côte d’Ivoire leg of the tour as a powerful expression of the country’s deep-rooted football culture.
“The energy and passion from fans in Côte d’Ivoire was truly inspiring,” said Rodrigue Bila, Vice President, Franchise Operations, West, Islands and Mid-Africa, at the Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit.
FIFA also praised the reception accorded the trophy in Abidjan, highlighting the broader objective of the tour to connect fans across continents.
“We are delighted with the incredible enthusiasm shown by fans in Côte d’Ivoire,” said Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer.
Former World Cup winner and FIFA Legend Marcel Desailly, who participated in the celebrations, underscored the emotional significance 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, making moments like this truly memorable.”
Beyond the festivities, Coca-Cola reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with FIFA and its commitment to sustainability. As one of FIFA’s longest-serving partners and a sponsor of the FIFA World Cup since 1978, the company noted that it is working with local teams during the Trophy Tour to support sustainability initiatives, including recycling programmes and more efficient transportation methods.
The Abidjan celebrations once again highlighted football’s unique power to unite nations and inspire generations, with the FIFA World Cup Trophy standing not only as a symbol of sporting excellence, but also as a shared dream for fans across Côte d’Ivoire, Africa and the world.
