Gold Rush in Seoul: 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour Lands in Korea
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived in Seoul on Jan 16 for its global tour. See the highlights of the unveiling and the road to the expanded 48-team tournament.
Only champions and heads of state can touch it, but thousands in Seoul will soon witness its glow. According to Yonhap News Agency, the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived at Gimpo International Airport on January 16, 2026, marking a significant stop on its global journey before the upcoming tournament.
2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy Seoul Tour and Public Viewing
Organized by Coca-Cola, the trophy tour's stay in Seoul kicked off at the CGV Yongsan IPark Mall. After a media unveiling on Friday, the trophy will be open for public viewing on Saturday. The arrival was a star-studded affair, as FIFA Global Ambassador Gilberto Silva brought the solid gold prize from Bangladesh via a chartered flight. He was joined by South Korean legends including Cha Bum-kun and Lee Young-pyo, underscoring the event's importance in Korean football culture.
Pure Gold and Strict Protocol
The authentic trophy is a masterpiece of solid gold, weighing approximately 6.1 kilograms. FIFA maintains strict control over the artifact; only previous winners and heads of state are permitted to touch it. While the winning nation keeps the original temporarily, they are eventually awarded a gold-plated 'Winner's Trophy' for permanent possession. This year's tour spans 30 nations across more than 150 days, bringing the dream of football's highest honor to millions.
Road to 2026: A Record-Breaking 48 Nations
The 2026 World Cup will be the first of its kind, featuring a record 48 nations, up from the traditional 32. South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, has secured its 11th consecutive appearance. The team finds itself in Group A alongside Mexico and South Africa, with all their group matches set to take place in Mexico.
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