As the global football community turns its attention to the next chapter of the sport’s most prestigious tournament, speculation and anticipation are building around the World Cup 2026 new trophy. While the iconic Jules Rimet Trophy was retired decades ago and the current trophy is a permanent fixture in Zurich, the 2026 edition in North America will operate under the established regulations of FIFA. The physical object that will be lifted in celebration in 2026 is the very same trophy that has resided in the FIFA World Football Museum since 2006, a symbol of continuity even as the tournament expands to a 48-team format.
The History and Significance of the Current FIFA World Cup Trophy
The trophy currently used in international competition is the FIFA World Cup Trophy, introduced for the 1974 tournament. Crafted by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, the trophy is made of 18-carat gold and features two human figures holding up the Earth. It stands as one of the most recognizable prizes in all of sports. Unlike its predecessor, this design was not intended to be a one-time creation; it was built to last, with the base containing four removable plaques that allow the names of winning nations to be added indefinitely.
The Regulation and Custody of the Trophy
According to FIFA regulations, the winning nation does not receive the actual trophy to keep. Instead, they are awarded a gold-plated bronze replica, known as the World Cup Winners’ Trophy, which is significantly smaller than the original. The original FIFA World Cup Trophy remains the property of FIFA at all times and is only in the custody of the winning nation for one month following their victory. This strict custodial agreement ensures the preservation of the original artifact, which is considered a priceless piece of sporting history rather than a permanent team possession.
Design and Manufacturing for 2026
There will be no new design unveiled for the World Cup 2026 trophy. The tournament organizers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will utilize the same trophy that has been the centerpiece of the ceremony since 1974. The logistics of transporting such a valuable and fragile item are handled with extreme precision, involving custom-designed cases and secure transport protocols managed by FIFA and the local organizing committee. The focus for the 2026 edition is on the legacy of the trophy and the historic opportunity to expand the tournament, rather than on altering the physical symbol of victory.
The original trophy is manufactured by the Italian company Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni.
It weighs 6.175 kilograms (13.61 pounds) and is composed of solid 18-carat gold.
The trophy depicts two human figures holding up the Earth, symbolizing the global nature of the competition.
The base contains four plaques where the names of winning nations are engraved.
The current design has been in use for 50 years, making it the longest-serving trophy design in World Cup history.
The physical trophy is insured for a value estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The 2026 Tournament Context
While the trophy remains unchanged, the 2026 World Cup itself represents a massive evolution for the sport. The expansion from 32 to 48 teams is the most significant structural change in the tournament’s history. This shift presents new opportunities for nations across North America to qualify on the world stage. The trophy, therefore, takes on added significance as it will represent not just the pinnacle of the traditional powerhouse nations, but potentially a new chapter where emerging regions have a greater chance to hoist the historic gold trophy.
