As the 2026 FIFA World Cup is about to kick off, the opening ceremony of the “FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour” New York stop was held at the American Museum of Natural History on June 2nd. The event attracted numerous football fans who had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the iconic trophy. This stop in New York presented by Coca-Cola is the only one in the city.
The prestigious trophy, made of 18K gold, represents the highest honor of the FIFA World Cup and is officially known as the “FIFA World Cup Trophy”. While often referred to as the “Jules Rimet Trophy” in Chinese media, it is not the official name recognized by FIFA. This nickname stems from the design of the trophy which depicts two athletes holding up the world. According to FIFA regulations, only past champions, heads of state, and designated officials are allowed to touch this 18K gold trophy.
Notable guests in attendance at the event included New York City Mayor Mamdani, Museum Director of the American Museum of Natural History Sean Decatur, Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York-New Jersey World Cup Host Committee, German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.
Mayor Mamdani remarked that the American Museum of Natural History is a gem of New York City, housing a treasure trove of artifacts, with the World Cup Trophy being a globally recognized symbol of glory and prestige.
He highlighted that the diversity of New York is not only reflected in the cuisine, arts, music, and shopping experiences across the five boroughs but also on the soccer fields scattered throughout different neighborhoods. With the upcoming match between Brazil and Morocco scheduled for June 13th at the New York-New Jersey Sports Stadium (MetLife Stadium), the first World Cup game in the region, the tournament is set to bring more vibrant moments to New York.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams competing in 16 host cities in 104 matches, making it the largest edition in history. The New York-New Jersey region will host 8 matches. The final on July 19th is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.