Bogota, belief and the World Cup trophy

Last weekend, I had the privilege of representing Trinidad and Tobago at the Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in Bogotá and it’s an experience I’ll carry with me for a very long time.

Just about a week before the event, The Coca-Cola Company reached out through country representative Maritza Ballack and invited me to be one of their guests. Even in that initial conversation, I understood how significant the opportunity was. The FIFA World Cup Trophy is the most iconic symbol in world sport. Very few people ever get the chance to stand beside it, let alone do so in an environment designed to celebrate its history and global meaning.

But for me, this wasn’t just about seeing the trophy. It was about representing Trinidad and Tobago in a room filled with regional and international voices. It was about strengthening relationships, opening conversations, and reminding people that our country, though small, belongs in every serious football discussion.

I was also proud that Trinidad and Tobago had media presence on the ground, with Senior reporter/producer Gyasi Merrique of Guardian Media Limited also present. Having local media represented at events of this scale is important. It ensures our audiences remain connected to global football moments and that our national perspective is part of the broader narrative.

The execution of the event in Bogotá was first class. The technology, the storytelling, the hospitality — everything was thoughtfully curated. You could feel the pride in how Colombia hosted the Tour. It wasn’t just an exhibition; it was an experience. The integration of digital displays, immersive fan moments, and seamless organization showed what global event delivery looks like at its best.

For the Trophy Tour, the “Gran Salón” at Corferias in Bogota was transformed into an immersive fan experience with interactive displays, historical highlights and the FIFA World Cup Trophy itself on display for attendees.

And then there was

the networking

I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with representatives from the Federación Colombiana de Fútbol and Coca Cola. These weren’t surface-level exchanges. They were real conversations about football development, collaboration, and future possibilities. Those moments matter. Regional alignment matters. Advocacy matters.

I also connected with guests from Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Curaçao. Being in that space reinforced how important it is for Caribbean voices to be present in global football rooms. Progress for our region doesn’t happen by accident, it happens through presence, dialogue, and consistent relationship building.

One of the personal highlights was meeting David Trezeguet, a member of France’s victorious squad at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. To share a conversation with someone who has lived the dream of lifting that trophy was surreal. He carried himself with humility as a FIFA legend at the event and spoke about national pride in a way that resonated deeply. It was a reminder of what football can mean,not just to individuals, but to entire countries.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the timing. It was Carnival weekend back home in Trinidad and Tobago — one of the most important cultural moments of our year. Missing Carnival is never easy. But this was an opportunity I simply could not turn down. To experience Colombia again during a World Cup year, to build connections, and to advocate for our country on that platform was worth every moment.

There was also a layer of reflection. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour visited Trinidad and Tobago twice before, first in 2006 when we proudly qualified for our historic debut at the World Cup, and again in 2010. Those were special moments for our nation. This year, however, Trinidad and Tobago was not on the Tour’s list of stops.

That reality adds even greater weight to the responsibility of showing up when invited elsewhere, to stay visible, to stay engaged, and to continue pushing for our country’s place on the global football map. Seeing the T&T flag on digital displays during the trophy tour at the Corferias left a warm feeling inside.

Bogotá itself left a strong impression on me. The city blends history and modernity in a way that feels authentic. The culture is rich. The people are warm and proud. Everywhere we went, there was hospitality and genuine welcome. You could sense how much this tour meant to the local community.

Coca-Cola went all out to ensure we were treated exceptionally well. From the coordination to the personal touches, the hosting felt thoughtful and intentional.

I must make special mention of Lidia Castro, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Director for the Caribbean Region at The Coca-Cola Company. Lidia was outstanding throughout. Her leadership and warmth were evident in every interaction. She spoke passionately about Trinidad and Tobago being a vibrant and important market,a country whose energy and culture align naturally with the Coca-Cola brand.

Hearing that affirmation on an international stage meant something

It reinforced the idea that Trinidad and Tobago has influence far beyond our size. That global brands recognize our vibrancy. That there is value in investing in our people and our football ecosystem.

Lidia ensured that we didn’t feel like distant invitees, we felt included, engaged, and respected. That kind of leadership sets the tone for everything else.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour is ultimately about connection. It travels from country to country, igniting dreams and reminding people that the world’s biggest stage is built on belief. Watching young fans line up for the rare chance to see the trophy up close was powerful. You could see hope in their eyes. That matters.

As someone committed to football development and communication, I left Bogotá energized. Energized to continue advocating for greater opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago. Energized to strengthen relationships across the region. Energized to ensure that our presence in global football spaces continues to grow.

The next stop of the Tour is Argentina — another nation deeply rooted in football excellence. The journey continues.

I am grateful to Coca-Cola for the invitation and for the level of hospitality extended to us. Grateful for the conversations. Grateful for the doors that were opened. Most of all, grateful for the chance to represent Trinidad and Tobago with pride.

Experiences like this are not just personal highlights. They are reminders that when you show up prepared, intentional, and proud of where you come from, the world makes space for you.

Bogotá was more than a trip. It was perspective.

Editor’s note

Shaun Fuentes is the head of TTFA Communications. He was a FIFA Media Officer at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. He has traveled to over 90 countries during his journey in sport. “Pro Look” is his weekly column on football, sport, culture and the human side of the game. The views expressed are solely his and not a representation of any organisation that he’s affiliated with. [email protected]