For one day, Almaty became part of world football history. On January 26, 2026, the city joined the global route of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, welcoming one of the most iconic symbols in international sport, DKNews.kz reports.
The visit carried special historical weight. The trophy arrived in Almaty accompanied by official FIFA representatives and Marco Materazzi, World Cup champion and global football legend, turning the event into a once-in-a-lifetime moment for local fans.
A golden trophy under guard and in the spotlight
The original FIFA World Cup Trophy was displayed at the Republic Palace under strict security. Representatives of the Almaty city administration, the Kazakhstan Football Federation, and senior executives of Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola İçecek officially welcomed the FIFA delegation.
The event attracted massive public interest. Residents and visitors of the city were given the rare opportunity to see the legendary trophy up close and take commemorative photos nearby. In total, more than 3,500 people attended the event, making it one of the most popular football-related public gatherings in the city in recent years.
Why this trophy is truly unique
The FIFA World Cup Trophy is made of solid gold and weighs 6.142 kilograms. It is one of the most valuable and closely guarded sports trophies in the world.
By long-standing tradition, only World Cup champions and heads of state are allowed to touch the trophy. This is why simply standing next to it carries such emotional power for fans, players, and sports enthusiasts alike.
Coca-Cola and football: a partnership built on emotion
Serkan Dilek, General Director of Coca-Cola Kazakhstan, подчеркнул significance of the tour for football supporters.
He noted that for 140 years, Coca-Cola has been more than just a beverage. It has become a symbol of optimism, shared joy, and human connection. Like football itself, the brand evokes genuine emotions and adds meaning to both everyday moments and historic occasions.
As the FIFA World Cup continues to unite fans around the world, Coca-Cola remains alongside them, refreshing and energizing every moment of celebration - from iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta to Piko, FuzeTea, BonAqua, and Schweppes.
What this visit means for Kazakhstan
The Kazakhstan Football Federation highlighted the role of the Trophy Tour in developing football culture across the country. FIFA representatives emphasized the international significance of the route, which takes place ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and covers 75 cities worldwide.
The Almaty city administration also underlined the importance of hosting the original trophy.
According to city officials, welcoming the FIFA World Cup Trophy and a global football legend is a great honor for Almaty. The city has long been recognized as the sports capital of Kazakhstan, and the arrival of football’s most prestigious prize further strengthens its status as an international venue for major sporting events.
Officials also stressed the inspirational value of the event for young people, reminding them that sport unites communities, builds character, and opens the path to great achievements.
A global journey continues
The Trophy Tour in Almaty was made possible through cooperation between FIFA, Coca-Cola, the Kazakhstan Football Federation, and the Almaty city administration. After its presentation in Kazakhstan, the trophy continued its international journey.
Coca-Cola has been an official FIFA partner since 1976 and is the exclusive organizer of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. Outside of the tour and the World Cup itself, the original trophy is kept at the FIFA Museum in Zurich and leaves it only on rare, special occasions.
More than an event, a memory
For thousands of fans in Almaty, the visit of the FIFA World Cup Trophy was more than a public exhibition. It was a powerful reminder that global football is not only about stadiums and broadcasts, but about shared emotions and moments that bring the world closer together.
For a few unforgettable hours, Almaty became part of football’s greatest story.
