FIFA Legend Gilberto Silva, Dato’ TS Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, Secretary General, Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, and Selman Careaga, President, ASEAN & South Pacific Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company, pressing the ceremonial button to unveil the FIFA World Cup™ Original Trophy at Subang SkyPark Terminal, marking Malaysia as the first ASEAN stop on the global Trophy Tour ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Malaysia marked a historic moment in the new year of 2026 as Coca-Cola brought the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour to Kuala Lumpur, making the country the first stop in ASEAN and one of only 30 FIFA Member Associations worldwide to host the iconic trophy ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The milestone also coincided with Coca-Cola’s 90th anniversary in Malaysia, a brand that has been woven into the nation’s most celebrated moments for nearly a century. For millions of football fans, the arrival of the original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy represented more than a global sporting symbol; it was a tribute to a country that truly lives, eats, and breathes the beautiful game.
The original trophy arrived in Malaysia with a ceremonial handling event at Subang Skypark, followed by a series of fan-focused experiences at Sunway Pyramid. This marked the trophy’s first return to Malaysia in 12 years, reaffirming the nation’s place on the global football map.
Close‑up of the FIFA World Cup™ Original Trophy in its glass case, a rare sight for Malaysian fans, as this is the Trophy’s first return to the country in 12 years.
“Bringing the original FIFA World Cup Trophy to Malaysia is a moment of immense pride for Coca-Cola as we celebrate 90 years of being part of this nation’s journey,” said Selman Careaga, President, ASEAN & South Pacific Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company. “Football has a unique ability to bring people together across communities, and through our longstanding commitment to the sport globally, we have seen that power in action. As part of our 90th anniversary in Malaysia this year, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is our way of saying thank you to the fans who have welcomed Coca-Cola into their lives for generations, by sharing an unforgettable experience and bringing one of the world’s most iconic sporting symbols closer to home.”
To ignite local pride and energy, the celebration was set to the beat of Rasa-Rasa Bola, a newly launched Coca-Cola Malaysia football anthem by popular local artist Tomok. The anthem served as the official soundtrack of the Malaysia stop, capturing the heartbeat of local football culture and uniting fans across generations.
Gilberto Silva, Dato’ TS Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, and Selman Careaga unveil the glass case containing the FIFA World Cup™ Original Trophy.
The trophy’s arrival also underscored Coca-Cola’s deep-rooted partnership with Malaysian Football Leagues (MFL), reflecting a commitment that goes far beyond sponsorship. Throughout the year, Coca-Cola brings the excitement of football to more than 200 local matches, creating meaningful moments at the grassroots level. From community-based football clinics that nurture young talent to elevated stadium experiences that enhance match day excitement, every activation celebrates the spirit of togetherness that defines Malaysian football culture. By investing in grassroots development and future generations, Coca-Cola continues to fuel the love of the game for decades to come.
Great moments carry great responsibility. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is not only a celebration of football excellence but also a platform for positive impact. Across the tour, The Coca-Cola Company is collaborating with local teams and bottling partners to advance sustainability initiatives, including packaging collection and recycling programs. These efforts mirror Coca-Cola’s ongoing recycling initiatives at Malaysian stadiums, ensuring that while fans celebrate today, the environment is protected for tomorrow.
As a longstanding partner of FIFA, Coca-Cola holds exclusive rights to the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, offering fans worldwide the opportunity to experience the most coveted trophy in football ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Coca-Cola Company has partnered with FIFA since 1974 and has served as an official FIFA World Cup sponsor since 1978.
For more details, visit cokeurl.com/trophy-tour.
