The FIFA World Cup trophy is back in Malaysia after 12 years, drawing crowds in Petaling Jaya and inspiring local football dreams.
PETALING JAYA: The prestigious FIFA World Cup Trophy has returned to Malaysia for the first time in 12 years, drawing hundreds of fans to Sunway Pyramid.
The trophy was unveiled by 2002 World Cup winner Gilberto Silva, alongside national legend Datuk Santokh Singh and local rapper MK.
It arrived in Malaysia earlier as part of a global tour covering 75 stops, with a formal ceremony held at the Skypark Regional Aviation Centre in Shah Alam.
The arrival was welcomed by Coca-Cola’s ASEAN president Selman Careaga and Youth and Sports Ministry secretary general Datuk Ts Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu.
Silva expressed hope the visit would inspire young Malaysian footballers and the Harimau Malaya team.
“I hope that stopping here in Malaysia can inspire many young kids, boys and girls, to play football,” the former Arsenal midfielder said.
He added his wish was to one day see Malaysia compete in the World Cup.
The trophy’s last visit to Malaysia was in 2014 ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
It is expected to continue its tour to South Korea and Japan next.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
It will feature 48 teams for the first time in the tournament’s history.
