Los Angeles became the first U.S. City to host the FIFA World Cup Trophy on its current tour, marking a significant milestone as the nation prepares to co-host the expanded 2026 tournament with Canada and Mexico. The iconic gold trophy, a symbol of global soccer supremacy, was unveiled at The Coke Studio at L.A. Live today, drawing anticipation for the games slated to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, an increase from the traditional 32, and promises to be the largest iteration of the tournament to date. While only one of those teams will ultimately lift the 18-karat gold trophy – a replica is awarded to the winning nation, with the original remaining in FIFA’s possession – the ongoing FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola aims to connect fans with the spirit of the game and build excitement for the upcoming competition.
Bringing the Game Closer to the Fans
“The trophy tour is truly when we start integrating with the fans,” said Daria Makhoukova, general manager of FIFA World Cup 2026 for Coca-Cola’s North America Operating Unit. “There is no better way for us to bring fans closer to the game and start building their anticipation.” The tour, which began in Mexico City on February 26th, will make 75 stops across 30 FIFA Member Associations, encompassing over 150 days of touring before moving on to Canada in April.
Today’s event at L.A. Live was reserved for fans who pre-registered, with organizers anticipating approximately 10,000 attendees. The tour will continue across the U.S., with planned stops in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, and New York, among other cities. The Los Angeles area will host eight matches at SoFi Stadium when the tournament arrives in 2026, according to CBS News Los Angeles.
A Symbol of Unity and Passion
The presence of the trophy itself evoked strong emotions from those in attendance, including Alessandro Del Piero, a member of FIFA 100 – a list of the greatest living soccer players – and a former star for the Italian national team. “Seeing her (the trophy) is always a pleasure,” Del Piero said. “It’s definitely something highly demanding to explain, what it means.”
Del Piero emphasized the unifying power of the sport, stating, “Football and sports in general represent more than a sport, it’s a way to be connected… we don’t care about religions, races, and other kinds of things, there is only a green pitch. Everybody has the same rules, and we need to fight to achieve the victory.” The 13-pound trophy, he suggested, embodies that shared pursuit of excellence and camaraderie.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The United States’ role as a host nation for the 2026 World Cup is expected to generate significant economic impact and further elevate the profile of soccer within the country. The tournament will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with the final match scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.
As the trophy tour continues its journey across the U.S., it serves as a tangible reminder of the approaching tournament and the excitement it will bring to millions of fans. FIFA officials will next focus on finalizing logistical plans for the tournament, including security arrangements and transportation infrastructure, with updates expected throughout the summer.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming World Cup? Share your excitement and predictions in the comments below.
