New Delhi, Jan 10.: The FIFA World Cup 2026 arrived in India on Saturday on a trophy tour, it was unveiled in the national capital by former Brazil international Gilberto Silva in the presence Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and All India Football Federation(AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey.
Speaking on the occasion, FIFA ambassador Gilberto Silva expressed his delight to discover that football is so popular in India
“we always heard that in India cricket is very popular, and I was very happy to discover that football is also so loved in India. Back in the day growing up in my village in Brazil I would look up to the football stars as my idols, now due to this game I have also become famous, it feels great.”
In his address AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said that seeing the coveted trophy up close would inspire young footballers of India “the world cup is the highest dream in world football, for generation of Indian fans football World cup is an emotion, and seeing the trophy in India that emotion comes closer to home, it reminds young fans that the global dream is real and reachable. The fan base in India is now over 100 million strong and continues to grow, football is very very popular in India and it is growing. The focus remains on grass roots, strenthen coaching and creating global exposure for Indian players. Dream is not just to qualify, but to compete with confidence on the world stage. The FIFA trophy tour is not just about celebration it is about inspiration, when young players see this trophy, belief is born.”
The FIFA World Cup has returned to India on a trophy tour after 12 years, it would be kept in Delhi for two days and after that it would be taken to Guwahati to be displayed for a day, before leaving Indian shores.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co hosted by Canada, US and Mexico from June 11- July 19, this will be the 23rd edition of the quadrennial event.
. .
