The FIFA World Cup Trophy arrives Thursday in Egypt for three days, followed by an African tour as part of its 267-day world tour scheduled to visit 90 countries.

Egyptian Sports and Youth Minister Taher Abu Zeid and Egyptian Football Association Chairman Gamal Allam are leading the welcome delegation at Cairo International Airport.

"Egypt is proud to be selected as a stop in the FIFA World Cup trophy tour. Ths is a proof of the FIFA confidence in Egypt security." Abou-Zaid said durig the press conference.

"This is a message to the world that Egypt is always welcoming its guests.

"Welcome to the land of peace and love." he added.

An elaborate ceremony by the Giza Pyramids, which will include musical performances by some of Egypt's most popular bands, will be held on Saturday.

The first time the golden trophy visited Egypt was in 2010, making this visit its second.

The Egyptian national team is bidding for its first World Cup qualification since 1990, hosting Ghana on 19 November in an attempt to surmount a surprising 6-1 away draw in the African playoffs.

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