Fifa Wold Cup countdown: 188 days to go

...original trophy tour set to reach 51 countries

The Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola kicked off last week with a first-stop event in Dubai, where former winners Iker Casillas of Spain and Brazil’s Kaká came together to send the original trophy on its journey around the world ahead of the tournament later this year.

“As football fans around the world gear up to support their teams, Coca-Cola is thrilled to offer fans the opportunity to experience the trophy ahead of the tournament,” said Brad Ross, vice president of Global Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Partnerships at Coca-Cola.

“The real magic of the Fifa World Cup exists with fans believing in their teams and showcasing their passion for the game… CocaCola is inviting fans to a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to see the most recognised symbol in football and experience the real magic of the world’s largest and most anticipated single-sport event – the Fifa World Cup.”

Due to stop in 51 countries and territories, the tour will bring Coca-Cola and Fifa one step closer to the goal of visiting each of Fifa’s 211 member associations by 2030.

For the first time ever, the tour will visit all 32 countries that qualified for the Fifa World Cup, inspiring fans across the world through exclusive consumer experiences.

“The Fifa World Cup Trophy is one of the greatest symbols in sport,” said

Romy Gai, Fifa’s Chief Business Officer. “Bringing it on tour gives us a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the fantastic communities around the world who love the beautiful game. The trophy tour – which will end back in Qatar, our amazing hosts – highlights our commitment to making football truly global as we realise the dreams of our fans and bring the joy and excitement of the Fifa World Cup to their doorsteps, together with our long-standing partner Coca-Cola.” Casillas and Kaká shared their passion for the game at the first-stop event in Dubai. Kaká said: “It is an incredible honour to be part of the first stop… My first Fifa World Cup as a player was when I was just 20 years old, and it is still fresh in my mind – for me, it was a dream come true.” Added Casillas: “It was the highlight of my career when I lifted this very trophy as captain of Spain in 2010. And it is exciting that someone will have that feeling in Qatar later this year.”

All 64 matches will be screened live and in HD across several platforms of MultiChoice, with GoTV and SuperSport customers due to be treated to all the action. –

“The Fifa World Cup Trophy is one of the greatest symbols in sport.”