The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is getting very real. Today, Friday 30 January, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy has officially landed on South African soil.
This is a proud moment for the country. It reminds us of the magic of 2010, 
but more importantly, it celebrates Bafana Bafana’s return to the global stage. Under coach Hugo Broos, the national team has qualified for the tournament on merit for the first time in 16 years. South Africans can now look forward to seeing our boys take on the world in Mexico, Canada, and the United States this June.
The President Welcomes the Trophy
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to receive the famous gold trophy at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today at 13:30. It is a symbolic homecoming and a chance for the nation to rally behind the team before they head to North America, where they are set to play the opening match of the tournament against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The tour is organised in partnership with Coca-Cola. While it begins with a formal ceremony today, the trophy will move to Johannesburg and Cape Town this weekend for public fan events.
Where Can You See the Trophy?
If you are planning to see the most famous trophy in sports, please note that the organisers have confirmed that tickets for these events have already reached full capacity. For those who secured their spots, the schedule is as follows:
| Date | City | Venue | Time |
| Fri, 30 Jan | Pretoria | Union Buildings (Official Arrival) | 13:30 |
| Sat, 31 Jan | Johannesburg | Expo Centre, Nasrec | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sun, 01 Feb | Cape Town | Battery Park, V&A Waterfront | 10:00 – 18:00 |
A Big Year for Bafana Bafana
This tour is about more than just a piece of gold. It is about belief. Coach Hugo Broos has transformed the squad, and expectations are higher than they have been in years. Bafana Bafana has been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico and Korea, and the nation is hopeful that this could be the year we finally progress beyond the group stages.
Seeing the trophy right here in South Africa is the perfect way to build spirit before the tournament starts later this year.
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