A once-in-a-lifetime moment is set for this June as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Canada for the first time.
Vancouver and Toronto will host matches, while 14 additional cities across the United States and Mexico will welcome the world’s top soccer nations.
Although no games will be played in Manitoba, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is ensuring fans across the country can still be part of the experience.
Last Monday, Manitoba got its chance to welcome the original FIFA World Cup Trophy at Memorial Park in Winnipeg, where thousands gathered to view soccer’s most coveted prize — a 13.6-pound trophy made of 18-karat gold.
“We know the sport is growing rapidly in Canada, and Winnipeg has a strong, vibrant community of fans who are deeply connected to the game,” said Diana Brenchley, director of brand partnerships and sports marketing at Coca-Cola Canada.
“Bringing the Trophy Tour here is about celebrating that passion and giving fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the original FIFA World Cup Trophy up close. It’s all part of our commitment, as a longstanding FIFA partner, to make the tournament feel truly national and accessible to fans from coast to coast.”
Attendees also took part in Coca-Cola and FUZE Iced Tea tastings, a Northern Super League photobooth, prize giveaways and other interactive activities.
Former Canadian national team members Desiree Scott and Diana Matheson were among those in attendance, along with Scott Gillingham, who participated in the on-stage trophy reveal.
Winnipeg marked the third of seven Canadian stops on the tour, following visits to Calgary and Vancouver. The tour will continue through several U.S. Midwest cities before returning to Canada in May with stops in Montreal (May 22), Halifax (May 23), Ottawa (May 24), and Toronto (May 25–26).
Globally, the trophy has already travelled to dozens of cities, with North America serving as the final leg of the 75-stop tour.
“The response has been incredible so far, in Canada and around the world,” said Brenchley. “Thousands of fans come out to be part of the experience, and in Winnipeg, we were preparing to welcome just over 8,000 fans. Even in our short time here, you can feel how excited people are — not just to see the trophy, but to be part of something bigger.”
Another highlight for fans was the appearance of 2002 World Cup champion Roque Júnior, who has joined each of the Canadian stops to help unveil the trophy.
The 49-year-old former defender from Santa Rita do Sapucaí, Brazil, received loud cheers as he took to the outdoor stage.
Monday marked his first visit to Winnipeg, where he experienced typical Manitoba spring weather.
“It’s cold, but what I saw in Vancouver and Calgary and here is I think the people like the football,” said Junior. “I saw a lot of people with spirit of the World Cup. This is good — it’s good for Canada, will be good for the World Cup. A lot of people will come to Canada to see the World Cup, and this is a big opportunity for the country to host the most important football event in the world.”
Junior said opportunities like the Trophy Tour didn’t exist when he was growing up, making it especially meaningful for young fans today.
He recalled first watching the tournament at age 10 during the 1986 World Cup, when Argentina won the title. He also remembered travelling with his father to São Paulo, where he met former Brazilian national team player Luís Antônio Corrêa da Costa, known as Müller — a moment that helped shape his dream.
“I was, I think, nine or eight years old,” said Junior. “For me, it was a big pleasure. I remember that until today, and that helped me to dream. I looked at him and said, ‘Oh, maybe one day I can do the same thing that he did.’”
“I hope I can inspire some young people to look to the future and maybe want to play football. This is part of life.”
Junior added he is encouraged by the growth of soccer in Canada, noting the national teams were not as prominent during his playing career.
Canada is currently ranked No. 30 in the FIFA men’s world rankings and ninth in the women’s rankings.
At the 2026 tournament, Canada’s men’s team is set to compete in Group B alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland in the expanded 48-team format.
The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place finishers, will advance to the knockout stage.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, with Canada opening against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 at Toronto’s BMO Field.
