Original FIFA World Cup Trophy Arrives in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At 10:00 a.m. on 27January, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy landed at Tashkent International Airport as part of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, marking a spectacular moment for Uzbek football fans attending the welcoming ceremony.

Arrival and Ceremony

The iconic 6.175-kg golden trophy arrived in the Uzbek capital during its global tour. At the airport, it was received by the First Deputy Chairman of the Uzbekistan Football Association, Ravshan Irmatov; the General-Director of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan, Kazumasa Mukae; and the General-Director of Coca-Cola İçecek, Furkan Aydın.

Marco Materazzi

Joining the trophy was legendary Italian footballer Marco Materazzi, 2006 FIFA World Cup champion and UEFA Champions League winner, adding star power to the event as he accompanied the trophy during its official presentation in Uzbekistan.

Coca-Cola’s Global Trophy Tour

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola began on January 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fans visiting the tour events have the unique opportunity to see the trophy up close, take photos, and feel inspired ahead of the 2026 World Cup matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

History and Symbolism of the FIFA Trophy

The FIFA World Cup Trophy, created in 1974, is made of 18-carat gold, stands 36.8 cm tall, and depicts two human figures holding up the Earth. Weighing 6.175 kg, it symbolizes prestige and excellence. 

Only the winning national team, state presidents, and FIFA President may touch the trophy, which otherwise remains at FIFA headquarters except during special tours and World Cup finals. 

Coca-Cola, a long-time sponsor, brings the trophy closer to fans worldwide to heighten anticipation for the upcoming tournament.

Events in Tashkent

On 27 January, at Tashkent’s Bunyodkor Stadium, young footballers participated in a masterclass led by Marco Materazzi and Uzbek football legends Kristina Chunakova, Laylo Tilovova, Odil Ahmedov, Anzur Ismailov, and Ignatiy Nesterov. 

A friendly match of two 20-minute halves was refereed by Ravshan Irmatov, a record-holder for officiating 11 matches across three World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), and the youngest referee in a World Cup opening match in 2010 at age 32.

Following the match, young players engaged with football legends, asking questions and seeking advice.

Kazumasa Mukae, General-Director of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan, said: “Today is special—for me personally, for football, for Uzbek football, and for everyone joining us. The trophy tour allows people to see it up close and share in the excitement for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Coca-Cola is proud to sponsor this tour for decades, believing in the magic of football and the World Cup, which unites people across ages, borders, and cultures. The trophy’s arrival in Uzbekistan is of great significance. We aim to inspire the next generation of players and fans, especially as Uzbekistan qualifies for the World Cup for the first time. Congratulations!”

General-Director of Coca-Cola in Uzbekistan Kazumasa Mukae; and the General-Director of Coca-Cola İçecek Furkan Aydın

He added: “Coca-Cola is honored to celebrate the success of your football, the national team, and this historic World Cup milestone with you. Through our five-year partnership with the Uzbekistan Football Association, we aim to support the national team and nurture talents like you. You could be the next Marco Materazzi or a legendary Uzbek player like Ravshan Irmatov. Keep training, dreaming, and believing in yourself—one day, you may lift this trophy above your head!”

Marco Materazzi encouraged the young athletes to dream big and remain patient: “I was a dreamer when I started. Many doubted me, but I never gave up. Dreams do come true: I worked tirelessly, trained every day, and went from a boy with ambition to a World Cup champion.”

Odil Ahmedov emphasized the importance of setting goals in addition to having dreams, noting that without clear objectives, achieving high results is impossible.

The event concluded with Coca-Cola presenting gifts to the young footballers in celebration of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.