Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the significance of Egypt being chosen as the second stop in the FIFA World Cup trophy tour, underscoring the nation's prominent role in global sporting events. He underscored the opportunity this event provides to promote sport tourism and align with the state's vision of increasing youth participation in sports.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the President made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). The delegation's visit is part of the promotional tour for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The delegation included Fabio Cannavaro, former Italian national team player, Javier Ceppi, Director at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Sebastian Ferieu, World Cup Trophy Tour Director, Alexandros Kavassilas, Vice President of Coca-Cola for Nigeria and North Africa operations, and Hanna Haddad, General Manager of Coca-Cola in Egypt and Sudan.

The meeting, attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy and President of the Egyptian Football Association Hany Abo Rida, was part of a historic global journey that includes 30 countries and 75 stops worldwide, featuring the original World Cup Trophy. Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy noted that the tour is organized in collaboration between FIFA and Coca-Cola to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Trophy Tour and to promote the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The FIFA delegation expressed their appreciation for the meeting with President El-Sisi, commending Egypt's sports infrastructure and organizational expertise in hosting both regional and international championships. President El-Sisi extended his best wishes for the success of the upcoming World Cup, highlighting its scale as the largest in terms of participating teams. He also expressed optimism for the Egyptian national team and aspirations for Egypt to host the FIFA World Cup in the future.