FIFA World Cup trophy arrives in Costa Rica

The FIFA World Cup trophy has arrived in Costa Rica as part of its global tour in the lead-up to the 2014 games in Brazil.

The country has already qualified for next World Cup finals.

Considered to be the world's most coveted prize, it arrived early Friday at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in the capital San Jose, where it was received by Costa Rica's Deputy Vice President luis liberman and national athletes, Xinhua reported.

The cup arrived after travelling to Tahiti, Fiji and Vanuatu. It will remain in Costa Rica for three days before continuing its regional tour to members of the 34 football federations that comprise the Confederation of North American, Central American and Caribbean Football Associations (Concacaf).

The trophy will be placed over the weekend at a centre, where thousands of fans will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at the famed prize.

The trophy's global tour will last nine months.