Excited football Fans gathered outside the Saddledome on Sunday as Calgary welcomed FIFA World Cup Trophy tour which is making its way across Canada ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Some were able to snap their photo just inches from the iconic trophy, which is only allowed to be touched by FIFA representatives, players and coaches of World Cup-winning teams, and foreign dignitaries.
“We’ll be the closest Colombians will ever get to a World Cup,” laughed Brandon Ortiz, a fan who attended the event with friends. “It’s surreal, only World Cup champions have ever touched it, it’s super cool to get so close.”
Fans get up close and personal with the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy.
Drew Stremic / Global News
“It was so exciting,” fan Aisha Nadem exclaimed of the trophy. “I can’t even believe I saw it with my own two eyes! I think I passed out already and forgot what happened!”
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Alongside representatives from FIFA, Coca-Cola (a major sponsor) and various levels of government, footballer Roque Júnior unveiled the trophy to the fans. Júnior was a defender with Brazil when they won the cup in 2002.
“For me, (revealing the trophy is) a pleasure. Because it was a dream, a childhood dream you know?” Júnior explained. “Every time I see the trophy, I remember that I won the World Cup.”
There were plenty of opportunities for fans to test their skills on Sunday.
Drew Stremic / Global News
There were also plenty of opportunities for fans to test their skills, from seeing how high they could head to passing and shooting drills.
Hosting responsibilities for this year’s tournament have been split between Canada, the United States and Mexico, with Canada’s games taking place in Vancouver and Toronto. Some fans hope that as more Canadians become sports fans, eventually the games will be played in Calgary.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Drew Stremic / Global News
“It’s not impossible,” said Soma Ali, who also attended Sunday’s festivities. “If there are more fans, there will be a chance to host one of the matches in the future!”
The first match of the tournament will see Mexico face South Africa on June 11. Canada will face Bosnia on June 12 in Toronto at BMO Field.
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
