A visit from the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour™ by Coca-Cola has helped build the already-feverish excitement in Panama, a country eagerly anticipating its first-ever global finals at Russia 2018. Met by fans already full of suspense in the Central American nation on the back of a historic first qualification, having seen President Juan Carlos Varela declaring a public holiday after Los Canaleros secured a Russia 2018 berth in October last year.

During the stop, President Varela made a little of bit of World Cup history himself by becoming the first Panamanian to hold the Trophy after being presented it by Tour Ambassador and France 1998 winner David Trezeguet.

“I wish Panama the best in the FIFA World Cup and it is a pleasure to bring them the Trophy as FIFA’s ambassador,” said former France international David Trezeguet.

President Varela also received a Trophy replica from FIFA and later decided to present the gift to Pedro Chaluja, President of the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT), to commemorate the opening of a new training centre that will further support the development of football in the country.

After the ceremony, fans had a chance to get a closer look themselves, getting to take pictures with the World Cup Trophy, as well as taking part in a range of other activities. The tour concluded with Trezeguet and the World Cup Trophy stopping by the iconic Panama Canal.

“Today was a very special day because the FIFA World Cup Trophy visited the Miraflores Locks in Panama which is the world famous connection between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans,” said William Segura, Manager of Public Affairs and Communications Coca-Cola Central America. “It was a unique experience that will make all Panamanians proud.”

The Trophy now heads for Costa Rica for the next stop of the tour. You can follow the Trophy’s progress here.