Lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy is a privilege reserved for only a few — and it’s even more remarkable when 24 years have passed since the last time you had the honor.
On Friday in Dallas, Cafú, the legendary captain of Brazil’s World Cup-winning team, raised the most coveted trophy in soccer once more.
“Lifting the trophy again is an indescribable feeling,” said Cafú, who played in four World Cups and is considered one of the great icons of Brazilian soccer. He won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 in the United States and again in 2002 in Japan/Korea.
The trophy’s visit to North Texas is part of the global tour leading up to the next World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada starting June 11.
Made of 18‑karat gold and weighing 6.175 kilograms, the cup symbolizes the pinnacle of world soccer. Designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, it depicts two human figures holding up the planet Earth.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy will be on display Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fans will be able to take photos with the cup but must purchase tickets and register at the trophy tour website. Tickets are free, up to four per registration, and will be available until they run out.
The presentation in Dallas also featured Christian Karembeu, a member of France’s 1998 World Cup–winning team. For the former midfielder, the golden figure represents more than a sporting victory. “It’s an iconic symbol around the world. In international sports, nothing compares to its aura and meaning,” he said.
According to FIFA regulations, only World Cup champions and heads of state are allowed to touch the original trophy with bare hands, reinforcing its exclusive status. Its base is engraved with the names of the winning teams since 1974, and the available space is expected to be filled by around 2038.
The trophy tour, sponsored by The Coca‑Cola Company — an official World Cup partner since 1978 — aims to bring the experience closer to fans.
“The original FIFA World Cup Trophy is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest symbols in sports, and we are proud to bring it to soccer fans around the globe,” said Susanne Brady‑Lusk, president of Coca‑Cola Southwest Beverages.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic as the first with 48 participating teams and matches played in 16 cities across three countries. In the Dallas area, AT&T Stadium in Arlington will be one of the main venues, hosting nine matches — more than any other host city.
“It will be an exceptional World Cup, with three host countries and 48 teams fighting for the title,” Cafú said. “The world will be amazed, not only by the quality of soccer we’ll see, but by the emotion it will spark in every corner of the planet.”