Italian soccer legend Fabio Cannavaro, a 2006 World Cup champion, uncovers the trophy in Vancouver on Friday.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
The glittering prize of soccer’s biggest showcase has made a stop in Vancouver.
The FIFA World Cup trophy was on display in the city on Friday, kicking off a cross-Canada tour ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who hoisted the 18-karat gold statue in 2006, unveiled a glass case containing the hardware in a ceremony at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The trophy – usually kept at the FIFA Museum in Zurich – will also make stops in Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa and Toronto before May 26.
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The tour gives soccer fans a chance to see the 6.175-kilogram statue up close before the World Cup kicks off in Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Vancouver is among the 16 cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico that will host a combined 104 games during the expanded 48-team tournament from June 11 through July 19.
B.C. is no stranger to hosting international events, from the Commonwealth Games to the 2010 Olympics, Premier David Eby told the crowd on Friday.
The World Cup, though, is on another scale.
“The World Cup will be the largest international event we have ever participated in, with more than five billion people tuning in,” he said.
“When people tune into British Columbia, they will see, obviously, our incredibly kind people, our amazing culinary scene, everything from Japadog to some of the world’s finest restaurants, incredible accommodations. And we hope that they will want to come and visit us again.”
FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani, left, speaks to B.C. Premier David Eby at Friday’s World Cup trophy tour launch.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
Vancouver is staging seven games during the tournament, including five group stage matches, a round of 32 game and a round of 16 game. Toronto will host six games.
The tournament is a great branding event for the city, said Vancouver mayor Ken Sim.
“This is a super exciting time, being a Vancouverite,” he said.
“This is the largest sporting event in the history of the planet – 104 games, 48 countries. It is going to be lights out. And it’s so exciting that you’re starting to see FIFA, the games, the signage, the excitement building.”
Canada’s third World Cup appearance begins with a matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12. The team will move to Vancouver to take on Qatar on June 18 and wrap group play against Switzerland on June 24.
As hosts, the country will show not only its love of the sport, but its talent, too, said FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani.
“I think the message here is welcome the world, but be proud that this sport is ours,” he said. “This sport is ours. Own it, love it, cherish it and pass it on to the future generations.”