Original FIFA World Cup trophy comes to Vancouver

The FIFA World Cup trophy is wowing visitors at the Vancouver Art Gallery, where anyone can get their picture taken with it.

The most recognizable sports trophy in the world arrived in Vancouver on Friday.

The FIFA World Cup original trophy was unveiled on CTV Your Morning Vancouver as the iconic golden symbol of soccer greatness continued its North American tour ahead of the tournament that begins in June.

CTV Your Morning anchor Keri Adams had the honour of unveiling the trophy live on the air just hours before a public viewing at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola gives fans in 38 cities across North America the opportunity to see the trophy up close.

It’s in Vancouver on April 10 and 11 before heading to other major cities across Canada, ending up in Toronto on May 25.

6 kgs of 18-karat gold

The trophy, made of 18-karat solid gold, was designed in 1971 and depicts two people holding up the earth. The names of winning nations since 1974 are engraved on the bottom, and only World Cup winners and heads of state are allowed to actually touch it.

The public viewing in Vancouver will take place in the north plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 10 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 11.

Admission is free and some walk-ups may be allowed, but organizers recommend getting a ticket through the official Coca-Cola event page.

Besides offering a chance to take a photo with the trophy, the event includes interactive games, music and prizes.

Vancouver is among the 16 cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico that will host a combined 104 games during the expanded 48-team tournament, running June 11 through July 19.

‘Super exciting time’

B.C. is no stranger to hosting international events, from the Commonwealth Games to the 2010 Olympics, premier David Eby said Friday.

The World Cup, though, is on another scale.

“The World Cup will be the largest international event we have ever participated in, with more than five billion people tuning in,” Eby said.

“When people tune into British Columbia, they will see, obviously, our incredibly kind people, our amazing culinary scene, everything from Japadog to some of the world’s finest restaurants, incredible accommodations. And we hope that they will want to come and visit us again.”

The tournament is a great branding event for the city, said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.

“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 team schedule

Canada is set to make its third World Cup appearance, starting with a matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12. The team will then move to Vancouver where Canada will take on Qatar on June 18 before wrapping group play against Switzerland on June 24.

As hosts, Canada will show not only its love of the sport, but its talent, too, said FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani.

“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.”

The trophy—usually kept at the FIFA Museum in Zurich— weighs approximately 6.175 kilograms.

With files from The Canadian Press