10 Facts About the FIFA World Cup Trophy You Need to Know or The World Cup Trophy: 10 Surprising Facts About Soccer’s Biggest Prize

As 48 teams prepare to compete for soccer’s ultimate prize this summer, the FIFA World Cup trophy remains a symbol of sporting excellence and a fascinating piece of history. The trophy, currently valued at approximately $550,000 as of April 2026 based on its gold content, has undergone a storied evolution and faced numerous challenges throughout its existence.

Currently, only eight nations have ever lifted the coveted trophy: Brazil (five times), Germany (four), Italy (four), Argentina (three), France (two), Uruguay (two), Spain (once), and England (once). This year, stars like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé will attempt to add another star to their nation’s tally, while others, such as Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and England’s Harry Kane, will be striving for their first World Cup title.

A History of Two Trophies

The trophy fans recognize today isn’t the original. FIFA commissioned the first World Cup trophy, named after its first president, Jules Rimet, in 1930. This initial trophy was crafted from gold-plated sterling silver and featured a winged figure representing Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Brazil permanently retained the Jules Rimet trophy after winning their third World Cup title in 1970, prompting FIFA to create the current “FIFA World Cup Trophy” which was first awarded in 1974 to West Germany.

Crafted From Gold and Malachite

The current FIFA World Cup Trophy is made of 18-carat gold and weighs 6,175 grams (about 13.6 pounds). It features two layers of green malachite on its base. While the inside is hollow, the trophy’s gold content alone is estimated to be worth around $550,000 as of April 2026, comprising 4,927 grams (nearly 11 pounds) of pure gold.

A Tumultuous Past

The trophy’s history isn’t without its dramatic moments. During World War II, FIFA Vice President Ottorino Barassi secretly removed the Jules Rimet trophy from a bank vault in Rome and hid it in a shoebox under his bed to prevent it from falling into the hands of occupying forces.

The Jules Rimet trophy was also stolen twice. In 1966, it was taken from an exhibition in London, but remarkably recovered by a dog named Pickles, who sniffed it out wrapped in newspaper. It was stolen again in 1983 from the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, and while a replica was commissioned, only one section of the original trophy was ever recovered.

Following the 1966 theft, FIFA even purchased a replica at auction for $400,000, only to discover in 2016 that it was made of cheaper materials, containing tin and lead.

Strict Security and Protocol

Today, the real FIFA World Cup Trophy resides at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, and is only brought out for special occasions. It has a diplomatic status, meaning it receives special handling during travel, with agents hand-inspecting it to prevent damage.

There’s also an unofficial “curse” and strict rules surrounding who can touch the trophy. Only World Cup winners and heads of state are permitted to touch the authentic gold trophy with their bare hands; everyone else must wear gloves.

A Trophy With an Expiration Date

The trophy features gold plaques bearing the names of each winning nation. With limited space on the base, the current trophy’s lifespan is set to expire in 2038. FIFA has not yet announced whether it will expand the base or create an entirely new design.

Even victorious celebrations can pose a risk. After Germany’s 2014 World Cup win, the trophy sustained a small chip during exuberant celebrations in Berlin, though thankfully it was the winner’s trophy, not the original kept in Switzerland.

How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across three countries. The final match will be held on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will be broadcast live on FOX (70 matches) and FS1 (34 matches), and will also be available for streaming on the FOX One and FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).