The FIFA World Cup trophy made a stop in New York on Tuesday as part of the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour, giving fans a chance to see football’s biggest prize up close ahead of next year’s tournament.
Germany World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger joined New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the American Museum of Natural History for the unveiling.
One of the few people allowed to lift the trophy, Schweinsteiger held and kissed the prize he won when Germany defeated Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final.
The former Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chicago Fire midfielder said seeing the trophy again gave him “goosebumps” and highlighted how difficult it is to win football’s biggest honor.
He also believes the tour can inspire young players by allowing them to see the trophy in person.
“Let’s go Germany,” Schweinsteiger said as he lifted the trophy.
The event also underscored New York’s role in the 2026 World Cup, with the New York/New Jersey area set to host eight matches, including the final, from June 13 to July 19.
Coca-Cola says the tour is intended to bring fans closer to the World Cup experience.
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WORLD CUP 2026 UPDATE
The FIFA World Cup Trophy made a special appearance in New York City as part of the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup 2026 Trophy Tour.
Joining the event were 2014 World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who helped… pic.twitter.com/KQoYXhJ0wk
— InspiredCastro-Global Watch (@InspiredCastro) June 4, 2026
Daria Makhoukova, general manager for FIFA World Cup 2026 Coca-Cola Company’s North America Operating Unit, said the initiative is designed to connect supporters with the event well before kickoff.
“The Trophy Tour gave us a chance to showcase the sport’s truly iconic symbol to a wide range of people, from hardcore fans to those who are completely new to the game,” she said. “Many people in the U.S. will be experiencing their first World Cup.”
At the same time, the trophy tour arrives amid growing scrutiny of FIFA’s partnership with Coca-Cola.
A coalition of global health experts and advocates has renewed calls for FIFA to end the sponsorship by 2030 through the Kick Big Soda Out campaign, which first targeted the governing body during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
The debate has gained attention because co-hosts Canada and Mexico have introduced front-of-package warning labels on products high in sugar, salt and fat.
While Mexico and the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador have implemented taxes on sweetened beverages as part of broader public health efforts.
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