The original FIFA World Cup trophy, crafted from solid gold and weighing 6.175 kilograms, has arrived in Bangladesh, offering football supporters a rare and memorable experience. The iconic trophy landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday morning as part of the official 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, a global initiative designed to bring the most coveted prize in world football closer to fans across continents.
Accompanying the trophy on its Dhaka visit is Brazil’s World Cup-winning former defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva, whose presence has added prestige and excitement to the occasion. Silva, a member of Brazil’s victorious 2002 World Cup squad, has been engaging with local football enthusiasts, reinforcing the global spirit of the game and its power to unite people beyond borders.
This international tour will see the trophy displayed at 75 locations across 30 countries over a period of 150 days. In Bangladesh, however, the showcase has been limited to a single venue—the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dhaka—making the event all the more exclusive. From 1:30 pm onwards, the trophy was placed on public display, allowing fans to view it until the evening.
Long before the exhibition officially opened, crowds of eager supporters had already begun gathering at the hotel. Men, women and children queued patiently, many holding mobile phones aloft in anticipation of capturing a photograph beside football’s most iconic symbol. Volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon, managing entry lines, checking identification and ensuring that the viewing process remained orderly and secure.
Inside the exhibition area, emotions ran high. Some visitors stood silently, visibly awed by the gleaming trophy, while others smiled broadly, knowing they were witnessing something they might never see again. Families arrived with young children in their arms, posing for photographs that parents said would one day become treasured stories to tell—of the moment their child stood before the World Cup trophy, even if too young to understand its significance at the time.
As the afternoon progressed, the number of visitors steadily increased, transforming the hotel venue into a lively celebration of football culture. From humorous moments—such as a fan bearing a striking resemblance to Bangladeshi footballer Hamza Choudhury—to quiet reflections and joyful selfies, the exhibition offered something for everyone.
Ultimately, the Dhaka showcase has proven more than a simple display. It has been a celebration of dreams, history and shared passion—an experience that, for many, will indeed provide stories to last a lifetime.
FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour: Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Trophy weight | 6.175 kg |
| Material | Solid gold |
| Tour countries | 30 |
| Total exhibition locations | 75 |
| Total tour duration | 150 days |
| Bangladesh venue | Radisson Blu Hotel, Dhaka |
The World Cup trophy’s brief stay in Dhaka has left a lasting imprint, reminding fans that football’s greatest symbol belongs not only to champions, but also to the millions who cherish the game worldwide.