Thousands of young people flocked to the Military Zone 7 Sports House in HCM City on January 20 to admire and take photos with the FIFA World Cup.

On January 21, the World Cup will leave Vietnam in its tour to 86 countries before it is presented to the champion in South Africa this summer.

The most famous football cup in the world arrived at HCM City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport on January 18 on a specialized aircraft with strictest security. It is 36.8cm high, made of 18 carat gold and is kept inside a glass box.

Starting in September 2009, the cup has traveled around Africa. Then India, and now Vietnam, are on its itinerary. The cup will go around 86 countries.

This is the second time the FIFA World Cup has been in Vietnam. The first was in 2002 in Hanoi and HCM City.

Young girls take photos with the World Cup…

The World Cup 2010 mascot.

A ball playing skill competition

VietNamNet/VNE