FIFA World Cup trophy to touch down in South Africa on Friday!

The FIFA World Cup trophy is set to touch down in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday, 30 January.

This is part of Coca Cola’s global World Cup Tour as the world builds up to the 2026 edition in the US, Canada and Mexico.

A gala dinner has already been confirmed for Friday, and it will be held at Sandton Convention Centre.

SA’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and former Bafana Bafana players will attend the gala dinner.

This World Cup Tour will move from Johannesburg to Cape Town over the weekend with fans expected to come out in their numbers.

McKenzie told SABC Sport that this is a sign that South Africa will NOT boycott the 2026 global showpiece.

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FIFA WORLD CUP TROPHY VISITS JOBURG AND CAPE TOWN

“I, together with the president of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, will be receiving the World Cup trophy. We are encouraging everyone to follow the journey of our players who worked so hard to qualify,” McKenzie said.

“A lot of people are calling for us to boycott the World Cup – that is absolute rubbish. We will not be boycotting. Siyaya eMexico, Siyaya eCanada, Siyaya eAmerica. If you don’t want to watch, switch off your television.”

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WHEN IS THE GLOBAL SHOWPIECE?

This year’s FIFA World Cup tournament will get underway on Thursday, 11 June and the final is scheduled for 19 July.

Co-hosts Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in their opening match in what will be a repeat of the 2010 edition in South Africa.