FIFA World Cup trophy tour lands in Winnipeg
Posted April 13, 2026 4:20 pm.
Last Updated April 13, 2026 11:42 pm.
The world’s most iconic sports trophy is making a stop right here in Winnipeg and for a lot of fans, it’s as close as they’ll ever get to soccer’s biggest prize.
With the FIFA World Cup coming to Canada this summer, the tour is building the hype, even bringing in a FIFA legend.
“You have the trophy, and you think all the things you dreamed of in your childhood, you did,” said Roque Júnior, Brazilian World Cup champion.
Júnior was in Winnipeg on Monday, sharing what it means to be back alongside the trophy he once lifted. Júnior, who won the World Cup in 2002, says bringing the trophy to cities like Winnipeg gives young athletes a chance to see what’s possible, especially with Canada set to play on home soil.
“For Canada, it’s important to connect with the fans. We play at home, you need to do something with the fans, it can help a lot in the World Cup, and I hope they can play very well,” said Júnior.
“Soccer is the world’s game to see it all come together right here in my home city, it’s so exciting, and to have the trophy, such a symbol of world sport right here is a very exciting time,” said Desiree Scott, Olympic gold medalist with the Canadian women’s soccer team.
It wasn’t just global stars drawing attention, hometown hero Scott says moments like this show just how far the sport has come in Canada.
“The women’s team for years put Canada on the map, and now we are seeing the men’s team have success, hopefully more this summer, but we are seeing the game growing, more people getting involved, and hopefully that trend continues upward,” said Scott.
While some came to catch a glimpse of soccer legends, or many Winnipeggers, the real draw was the trophy itself, something that doesn’t happen often, and for many here in Winnipeg, a first.
With the World Cup set to kick off in 2026 across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, moments like this are already building excitement one city at a time.
