For perhaps the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy will be on display in Vancouver soon, but only for a short time.
The public will have a two-hour window to see the famed trophy (which isn't actually a cup, but a 6-kilogram solid gold sculpture) on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
"We’re excited to welcome the trophy to Vancouver at the Italian Cultural Centre, and for giving our community a chance to be part of the magic as we count down to 2026,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a press release.
The Winner's Trophy, which has been awarded since 1974, is kept in FIFA's museum in Switzerland except for special occasions, and a visit to Vancouver is special enough.
The previous World Cup trophy, which was a cup (albeit fancy), was stolen, found, and then won by Brazil so many times they got to keep it in 1966...until it was stolen again. Security for the Vancouver event will likely be tight.
The free public viewing at the Italian Cultural Centre is open to fans, families and anyone else curious to see the real trophy, which stands about 36.5 centimetres tall.
“The adults, the youth, and especially the children of Vancouver have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this trophy revered around the world – in their own back yard, thanks to one of our own,” says Mario Miceli, executive director of the centre.
While it will be on public display, free for anyone to see at the Italian Cultural Centre, it won't be free for anyone to handle. There are strict rules on who can touch it with their bare hands.
Right now, while Canada has already qualified for the soccer tournament, its unlikely any Canadians will get to touch it in 2026, as the odds are very much against the men's national team.
Public viewing of the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy
When: Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Italian Cultural Centre - 3075 Slocan St, Vancoouver
Cost: Free
