FIFA World Cup Trophy in Tashkent: Thousands of Fans See the Planet’s Most Prestigious Football Prize

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Thousands of football fans in Uzbekistan received the opportunity to see the original FIFA World Cup Trophy in Tashkent as part of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.

As previously reported, the FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived in Uzbekistan on 27 January. The original golden trophy, weighing 6.175 kilograms, arrived in the capital together with legendary footballer Marco Materazzi, a member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup–winning squad and a UEFA Champions League winner.

On 28 January, the trophy was presented to the general public at the Uzexpocentre pavilion in Tashkent. Residents and visitors to the city were able to see the iconic trophy, which invariably evokes powerful emotions in everyone who comes close to it. Guests took commemorative photographs with the cup and were also able to play table football or test their skills on a mini football pitch.

The event was more than a simple exhibition. It became a source of inspiration for young people and a reminder that sport unites individuals, shapes character, and opens the way to great achievements.

Kazumasa Mukae, Director-General of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan, congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on the historic achievement of the national football team qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

“The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour is a global exhibition and a journey around the world, during which we bring the authentic trophy to different countries. This is the very cup that past champions have held in their hands and that will once again be presented to the winners this year. Only world champions, heads of state, and the FIFA President have the right to touch this trophy. For Coca-Cola, it is a great honor to bring it to Uzbekistan,” Mukae said.

He noted that Coca-Cola has been a dedicated partner of the tour for more than three decades because of its belief in the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to unite people of different generations, countries, and cultures, as demonstrated at the event in Tashkent. According to him, the trophy’s visit to Uzbekistan this year carries special significance, as the country has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history.

“I believe this is a symbol of how this remarkable country is confidently stepping onto the global stage. It is a great honor for me to be here and to share this historic moment. Personally, this success did not come as a surprise to me. The same resilient, disciplined, forward-looking spirit that once shaped the Great Silk Road lives today in the ‘White Wolves’ and in your talented, passionate young footballers,” Mukae said.

He recalled that the previous day an event had been held in which young footballers played alongside world football legends, with the match refereed by Ravshan Irmatov. He noted the genuine passion visible in the eyes of the young players and expressed confidence that the future of Uzbek football is very bright. According to him, this achievement belongs to everyone involved: the players, coaches, fans, the Football Association of Uzbekistan, and the state, which believes in the transformative power of sport.

Mukae emphasized that the trophy tour reflects Coca-Cola’s long-standing partnership with FIFA and their shared belief in the unifying and inspiring power of football. He added that in Uzbekistan the company is proud to deepen this cooperation by signing a new five-year partnership agreement with the Football Association of Uzbekistan, which will allow Coca-Cola to continue supporting the development of football in the country.

He also noted that Coca-Cola’s history in Uzbekistan spans three decades and has grown together with its partners in the country. Uzbekistan, he said, is among Coca-Cola’s 30 key markets worldwide, not only in terms of growth, but also in terms of contributions to sustainable development, social projects, youth support, and the empowerment of women.

“This trophy is much more than just a cup. It is love for the game, love for football. It is national pride. It is the dreams of children—we saw that yesterday when we invited many young footballers. This trophy symbolizes all the emotions that accompany football,” Mukae added, emphasizing the special magic of football and the FIFA World Cup in bringing together people of different ages, countries, and cultures.

First Vice President of the Football Association of Uzbekistan Ravshan Irmatov noted that the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola contributes to the development of football culture in the country. He highlighted the particular importance of the tour given that Uzbekistan’s national team has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history. The tournament will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Marco Materazzi congratulated the Uzbekistan national team on qualifying for the World Cup. “I hope that one day you too will be able to touch this trophy,” he said.

“When I was a child, I had a dream. You know, to touch this trophy, you have to win it. Football is an unpredictable game, the road to victory is never easy, but everything is possible. You can do it,” the Italian added. Speaking about youth football, Materazzi noted that young players have a real chance to one day play at the World Cup.

The organization of the tour was made possible through cooperation between Coca-Cola, FIFA, the Football Association of Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Sports of Uzbekistan. After being showcased in Tashkent, the trophy continued its international journey.

Coca-Cola has been a partner of FIFA since 1976 and is the exclusive organizer of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour. The original trophy leaves the FIFA Museum in Zurich only during the tour and during the World Cup itself.