Zurich, Sep 21 (DPA) The FIFA World Cup trophy is to set off an a tour of the world including all 54 nations in Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

The solid-gold trophy was ceremonially sent on its way Monday before being flown later in the week from FIFA headquarters Zurich to Cairo, Egypt, the first-leg of its journey.

FIFA president Joseph Blatter said the tour was 'really engaging football fans on a global scale' by allowing them a close-up view of the World Cup trophy before next year's tournament in South Africa.

The 225-day journey, organized by FIFA with Coca-Cola, takes in 86 countries including every nation in Africa.