Dhaka, 14 January 2026 — With exactly 148 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the iconic golden trophy is set to make a brief, one-day visit to Dhaka today. Part of the global “FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola”, the trophy will arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport this morning, accompanied by Brazilian midfield legend Gilberto Silva, a former Arsenal player and 2002 World Cup winner.
Airport Reception and Security
The trophy is being transported via a chartered flight that passed through Pakistan and India before landing in Dhaka. The arrival ceremony will see the trophy formally received by Tabith Awal, President of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). From the airport, it will be escorted under strict security to the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Unlike previous tours, however, Dhaka’s public will not have access to the trophy through a concert or exhibition. Only selected winners of Coca-Cola’s “Under the Cap” campaign will have the exclusive opportunity to view and photograph the trophy in the afternoon.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Arrival Location | Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport |
| Arrival Time | Morning (Exact time not specified) |
| Trophy Escort Destination | Radisson Blu Hotel |
| Celebrity Guest | Gilberto Silva (Brazil, 2002 World Cup winner, ex-Arsenal) |
| Public Access | Limited to “Under the Cap” campaign winners |
| Duration in Dhaka | One-day visit |
BFF and Player Participation
The BFF anticipates the presence of national team captain Jamal Bhuiyan and young forward Sheikh Morsalin at the event. Nevertheless, the participation of other male or female domestic league players remains uncertain due to ongoing league fixtures. Fahad Karim, BFF Vice President and Chairman of the Marketing Committee, noted, “We cannot confirm which players will attend. The trophy will arrive in the morning and be received by Tabith Awal. There may be a short session of 30–60 minutes for BFF officials and invited guests. The programme is deliberately concise.”
Regarding female players, he added, “It is unlikely that they will be present. Most are currently with their clubs. Any last-minute changes are possible, but nothing is confirmed.”
A Historic Tour
The trophy’s global journey began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the hands of Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero and will cover 75 countries ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this June–July. After its whirlwind visit to Dhaka, the trophy will depart tonight for South Korea.
Although Bangladesh is not participating in the World Cup and the national colours may not yet feature on the global stage, the chance to glimpse the trophy is an exhilarating moment for football enthusiasts. For a nation where fans lose sleep over the beautiful game, even a brief encounter with the golden trophy is an unforgettable thrill.