By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, 30 January 2026, received the FIFA World Cup trophy during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The trophy is on a global tour, visiting 30 member associations and making 75 stops before the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Ramaphosa was joined by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, and formally received the iconic trophy during a ceremony attended by dignitaries, media and invited guests.
As part of the nationwide celebrations, South Africa will host a series of high‑profile events from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Ramaphosa unveiled the iconic prize alongside former France international and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly.
“It’s really a joyful moment to be here at the Union Buildings. I’m rather glad that we brought the cup here, “Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa challenged Bafana Bafana to bring back the FIFA World Cup trophy in July.
🇿🇦President @CyrilRamaphosa joined by FIFA Legend Mr Marcel Desailly, unveiling the FIFA World Cup™️ Original Trophy during the FIFA World Cup™️ 2026 SA Trophy Tour held at the Union Buildings.#FIFAWorldCup 🏆🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/7msVCAtMc7
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) January 30, 2026
This handover symbolises hope and momentum for South African football, as the country celebrates Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
McKenzie dismissed calls that South Africa will boycott the global showpiece.
“I, together with the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, have received the World Cup trophy today. We are encouraging everyone to follow the journey of our players who worked so hard to qualify, “McKenzie said.
“A lot of people are calling for us to boycott the World Cup – that is absolute rubbish. We will not be boycotting. Siyaya eMexico, Siyaya eCanada, Siyaya eAmerica. If you don’t want to watch, switch off your television.”
A gala dinner will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre this evening, featuring invited dignitaries and several former Bafana Bafana stars.
The trophy will then travel to Cape Town, where fans will be given the chance to view and take photos with it. As per FIFA protocol, only President Ramaphosa is authorised to physically touch the trophy.
South Africa’s national team has been drawn in Group A for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of the European play-off scheduled for March.