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The FIFA World Cup trophy made a dazzling stop in Vancouver on Friday, kicking off a nationwide tour across Canada ahead of this summer’s tournament. Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who lifted the 18-karat gold trophy in 2006, unveiled the prize inside a glass case during a ceremony at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Usually housed at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, the 6.175-kilogram trophy will visit Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, and Toronto before May 26. This tour offers soccer fans the rare chance to see the iconic trophy up close ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 11 in Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Vancouver is among 16 cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico that will host a total of 104 matches during the expanded 48-team tournament running through July 19.
British Columbia Premier David Eby told the crowd that while the province has hosted major international events before, such as the Commonwealth Games and the 2010 Olympics, the World Cup is on a much larger scale.
“The World Cup will be the largest international event we have ever participated in, with more than five billion people tuning in,” he said. Eby added that global audiences will see British Columbia’s warm people, vibrant food scene—from Japadog stands to world-class restaurants—and outstanding accommodations, hoping it inspires them to return for a visit.
Vancouver will host seven games, including five group-stage matches, a round of 32 game, and a round of 16 game. Toronto is scheduled to host six games.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called the tournament a major branding opportunity for the city. “This is a super exciting time, being a Vancouverite,” he said. “This is the largest sporting event in the history of the planet, 104 games, 48 countries. It is going to be lights out. And it’s so exciting that you’re starting to see FIFA, the games, the signage, the excitement building.”
Canada is set for its third World Cup appearance, opening with a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12. The team will then head to Vancouver to face Qatar on June 18 before concluding group play against Switzerland on June 24.
FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani emphasized that, as hosts, Canada will not only showcase its passion for soccer but also its talent. “I think the message here is welcome the world, but be proud that this sport is ours,” he said. “This sport is ours. Own it, love it, cherish it and pass it on to the future generations.”