FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour Coming To Toronto Before Tournament Kicks Off This Summer

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Toronto with games kicking off on June 12, but soccer fans will get a chance to check out the sport’s biggest prize a few weeks earlier.

On Wednesday, dates for the Canadian leg of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour presented by Coca Cola were announced, with Toronto set to host the golden bauble at Nathan Phillips Square on May 25-26.

According to a news release, the cross-Canada events will give fans the opportunity to see the original FIFA World Cup Trophy up close, while also featuring immersive Coca-Cola fan activations and interactive soccer challenges.

There also will be appearances made by FIFA legends, with the names of the icons taking part in the event to be revealed closer to the tour dates.

The Canadian portion of the tour will begin in Vancouver — the other Canadian city which will be hosting World Cup games this year — from April 9-11.

From there, it will move on Calgary on April 12 and Winnipeg on April 13 before taking a break from the Great White North.

After a trip south with stops in the United States and Mexico, Canadian dates resume on May 22 in Montreal before heading to Halifax and then Ottawa. From there, it’s on to Toronto for the final Canadian dates.

This will be the sixth time that Coca-Cola, one of the global soccer federation’s longest-standing sponsors, has put on this Trophy Tour.

Fans will get the rare chance to get up close to the 18-karat solid gold statue, which has been hoisted by World Cup champions for decades.

Registration for tickets to the event begins on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m. on Coca-Cola’s website.

The 150-day tour kicked off earlier this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will visit 30 FIFA member associations across 75 stops before the start of the tournament in Mexico City on June 11 with a match between the co-hosts and South Africa.

“The FIFA World Cup™ represents the pinnacle of global sport and community, and we’re excited to bring fans closer to the action with the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola,” said Andy Buckingham, President of Coca-Cola Canada.”It will offer fans an incredible opportunity to experience the thrill and connection of football up close.

“Fans are invited to immerse themselves in every emotional moment — starting with the awe and anticipation sparked by the arrival of the original FIFA World Cup Trophy in Canada.”

Arsenal’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus eyes the ball during a English Premier League match against Liverpool.

According to FIFA, more than four million fans across more than 182 locations worldwide have taken part in the tour, which is marking its 20th anniversary.

“Football has an unmatched ability to bring people together, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak,” Mickael Vinet, a VP with Coca-Cola, said. “For two decades, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola has been a journey that connects fans to the magic of the game. As the Trophy travels towards the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, we’re celebrating the passion, pride, and unity that make football the world’s favourite sport.”