U.S. Scores: FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.

If you love soccer, but you can’t wait for the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament and you want to see the world’s most coveted trophy, you’re in luck. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is coming to Houston, TX on May 1-2, 2010.

Additionally, to celebrate Houston as the final stop on the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, a specially designed can has been created to help promote and honor the trophy’s arrival. The limited-edition, FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola can will be available throughout Texas during March and April, while supplies last.

“We want to invite all consumers to celebrate the thrill and passion of soccer with an ice cold Coca-Cola,” said Reinaldo Padua, assistant vice president, Hispanic Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “Houston is a unique city that is home to a multitude of people with diverse backgrounds, nationalities, cultures and languages. It’s a natural fit for the world’s most beloved beverage brand to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event by bringing the authentic FIFA World Cup Trophy to its passionate fans.”

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is scheduled to arrive in Houston on May 1 for a two-day visit. The Houston stop will feature a weekend filled with activities, including a fabulous outdoor festival on May 2 at the University of Houston, where the FIFA World Cup spirit will come to life.

“Since the University of Houston has such a large international student body – and we host a professional soccer team in our stadium – we are very excited to be the last stop of the FIFA Trophy Tour,” said Renu Khator, president of the University of Houston.

The festivities will commemorate the final stop of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola through a series of exhibits and fun activities that allow soccer fans to express their love of the sport. To showcase the rich history and culture of South Africa, Coca-Cola has partnered with the South African Tourism Board to bring to life the energy and culture of the first African country to host an event of this magnitude. The festival will kick-off with a Celebration Parade, festive dances and the introduction of Zakumi, the official 2010 FIFA World Cup mascot.

To top it off, Latin Grammy-winning international pop sensation David Bisbal will perform at the event, as well as African artist K’NAAN, whose recording of ‘Wavin’ Flag is Coca-Cola’s official “celebration mix” and the anthem of the brand’s FIFA World Cup marketing campaign. The Company also recently released the official video and remix of K’NAAN’s ‘Wavin’ Flag sound track featuring David Bisbal. Other recording artists who will perform during the festivities include Ana Isabelle, the winner of Univision’s ¡Viva el Sueño!.

“Like all soccer fans, I can’t wait for the action to begin in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and I understand what the Trophy represents. This event is the culmination of a worldwide phenomenon and it’s exciting to be part of the conclusion of the Trophy’s incredible journey,” said David Bisbal.

In addition, Coca-Cola is partnering with Adidas to host a series of soccer clinics with professional soccer players throughout the day. These soccer clinics are part of Coca-Cola’s ‘Live Positively’ philosophy of making positive contributions to communities around the world.

“‘Live Positively’ is ingrained in everything we do, from our global partnership with FIFA to the communities that we serve,” said Padua. “As part of this commitment, we want to encourage fans to be physically active and lead healthy lifestyles.”