Soccer fans who missed the Jack Poole Plaza queue-up to see the gleaming FIFA World Cup trophy over the weekend have another shot to catch a glimpse of the prize, as it settles in East Vancouver. The famous gilded trophy will be on display at the Italian Cultural Centre on Commercial Drive Tuesday morning, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., as part of its multi-stop tour around Vancouver. The free viewing event serves as a follow up to a showing downtown on Saturday, which saw hundreds line the block for viewings and photo opportunities with the trophy downtown. “The FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy is one of the most recognized symbols in sports,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim in a release Tuesday. “It represents passion, unity, and the joy that soccer brings to people everywhere.” Sim offered his thanks to FIFA and its vice president Victor Montagliani, who grew up in East Vancouver and studied at Simon Fraser University, for giving the local community a “chance to be part of the magic” during the countdown to the 2026 event. “East Vancouver was built by immigrant communities whose cultures created the rich fabric of this neighbourhood – including a deep love for football. I’m proud to have grown up here,” said Victor Montagliani, FIFA Vice President and President of Concacaf in the release. “Seeing the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy in East Van is a full-circle moment for me – and a chance for the community to begin celebrating what’s to come.” Preparations are in place for the games to be held locally next year, as Vancouver looks set to host seven matches at BC Place as one of 16 of FIFA’s World Cup host cities and one of only two in Canada, alongside Toronto. “This is what’s great about being a host city for the FIFA World Cup,” said Mario Miceli, executive director of the Italian Cultural Centre, Il Centro, in the release. “The adults, the youth, and especially the children of Vancouver have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this trophy revered around the world – in their own back yard, thanks to one of our own.” Speaking to CTV Morning Live Monday, Montagliani had touched on how witnessing both the World Cup and its trophy on home soil was likely a momentous opportunity for young sports fans, especially those looking to embark on their own soccer journey. “When you have these moments, it lights what I call a pilot light in a young fan, in a young athlete, which for us is what it’s all about,” he said. “Big tournaments, women’s World Cup and men’s World Cup, inspire young people.” Vancouver hosting the major event feels even more significant given Canada hasn’t traditionally been regarded as a “soccer country” in the past, but it has grown to become one now, he said. “This is a piece of football history,” Grafström had added Monday morning. “We are very excited at FIFA to have the World Cup for the first time in Canada.” Referring to the cup as the “ most iconic trophy that exists in sport,” Grafström said viewing it is so special it often leaves a lasting impression on soccer fans. “The first memory of many people in football is when you see a captain lift the trophy, the first experience watching a World Cup final,” he said. “Take the opportunity to see it, it’s a beautiful piece of art.”
