Excitement overcame the cold in Calgary as fans gathered outside the Saddledome to see the FIFA World Cup trophy. The iconic prize, which can only be touched by FIFA officials and past champions, was unveiled as part of a cross-Canada tour ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Brazilian defender Roque Júnior, who won the World Cup in 2002, helped present the trophy. "Every time that I meet the trophy, I remember that I won the World Cup," Júnior said. The event, supported by FIFA, Coca-Cola, and local government, also featured skill-testing activities for attendees.
While Canada's 2026 host cities are Vancouver and Toronto, fans in Calgary expressed hope that growing interest could one day bring a World Cup match to their city. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Canada's first match against Bosnia scheduled for June 12 in Toronto.