The 2026 FIFA World Cup is all set to kick-start on 11 June 2026 and will witness the final showdown on 19 July 2026. The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, will be jointly hosted by sixteen cities—eleven in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada, making it the very first edition of a FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by three countries. Well, from the world’s first technologically driven Adidas Trionda ball to a shining trophy made up of 18-carat gold with a weight of an estimated 6.175 Kg.
The iconic trophy of the upcoming 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup has been designed by the Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga, which was introduced in 1974 and features two human figures holding up the Earth, representing global unity and the triumph of football. Have you ever wondered about the details of the classic trophy of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at all the exciting details about the golden trophy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy : Everything You Must Know
Who Designed the 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy?
The trophy of the FIFA 2026 edition continues to be the same as it was introduced in the inaugural 1974 FIFA edition. The FIFA trophy was originally designed by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, and was officially introduced at the 1974 World Cup which was held in Germany. Born on 23 January 1921, Silvio Gazzaniga studied at the art schools of the capital of Lombardy, Milan, and started his career of sculpting after the dramatic disruption of World War II by designing medals.
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Silvio Gazzaniga’s sculpting stint at the FIFA World Cup started after Brazil was allowed to keep the World Cup trophy of the 1970 World Cup and FIFA required a new trophy for the upcoming editions. Silvio Gazzaniga designed the infamous trophy for the FIFA World Cup, which was officially launched at the 1974 FIFA World Cup edition. The trophy undoubtedly played a crucial role in establishing Silivio Gazzaniga as one of the most influential and successful sculptors in the world.
What Does The Design of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy Mean?
Often hailed as one of the most iconic trophies in the world of professional football, the FIFA World Cup trophy designed by Silvio Gazzaniga, shows two human figures rising upward, holding the Earth aloft, symbolising the football players from all over the world coming together on one of the biggest platforms in the arena of professional football.
The raised arms of the two human figures symbolise the triumph and celebration of the team that clinches the coveted trophy and the globe that their hands hold symbolise the universal admiration for the game that is followed and supported by millions of football aficionados from every nook and corner of the world.
What Are The Materials Used in Creating The Trophy?
The FIFA World Cup trophy weighs 6.1 Kg and is made up of 4.9 kg of 18 carats of solid gold and also features two rings of green malachite, a semi-precious stone. The surface of the trophy is rough and organic, not polished like other coveted trophies to symbolise the struggle and endless efforts that go behind claiming it. Additionally, the base of the timeless trophy is engraved with the names of all the nations that have clinched the prestigious trophy.
Who Keeps The Original FIFA World Cup Trophy?
Well, the original FIFA World Cup trophy, which is lifted by the winning team after clinching the final, is always returned to FIFA and the winning team is given a replica version of the trophy to keep with themselves for their entire lives. The replica trophy which is handed to the winning team is gold-plated, unlike the original trophy which is made up of solid gold. Additionally, the replica FIFA World Cup contains less expensive metals such as bronze and other alloys.
Although the replica trophy looks identical to the original FIFA World Cup trophy designed by Silvio Gazzaniga, it is much lighter and less expensive. As per reports and experts, FIFA keeps the original trophy in order to protect it from any possible damage. As of January 2026, the original FIFA World Cup trophy holds an enormous and unbelievable worth of $500,000 USD.
