Spain became 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after beating Lionel Messi Argentina in the finals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. Spain celebrated by lifting a unique trophy. For those wondering if the soccer trophy is real gold and how much it’s worth, we’ve got you covered!
The current FIFA World Cup trophy is manufactured by the Italian company GDE Bertoni (Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni) located in Paderno Dugnano, near Milan. The prestigious gift was created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga.
Is the FIFA World Cup made of gold?
Yes. The trophy is made of 18 carat gold, making it one of the few major sporting trophies made of real gold. According to the London Stock Exchange Group, the trophy contains approximately 4.93 kilograms of pure gold. Established in 1974, it has been awarded to every men’s World Cup champion since then.
What? What is the World Cup worth?
The London Stock Exchange Group estimates its value at around $713,000, while The Mirror says the gold used in the trophy is worth around $800,000 based on current gold prices. But its true value goes far beyond metal. Because of its history and international importance, experts estimate the trophy could be worth more than $20 million (AED 73.45 million).
Do World Cup winners keep the trophy?
Nope. The original FIFA World Cup trophy always remains the property of FIFA.
After lifting the trophy during the victory ceremony, the champions are presented with a gold-plated bronze replica to keep forever. The original trophy is returned to FIFA and displayed at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.
In addition to lifting the trophy, Spain it will also take home the biggest prize in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Here is the prize money for each finish:
Champions (Spain): $50 million (183,625,000 AED)
Runners-up (Argentina): $33 million (121,192,500 AED)
Third place (UK): $29 million (106,502,500 AED)
Fourth place (France): $27 million (99,157,500 AED)
Fifth to eighth place: $19 million (69,777,500 AED)
Ninth to sixteenth place: $15 million (55,087,500 AED)
Seventeenth to 32nd place: $11 million (40,397,500 AED)
33rd to 18th place: $9 million (33,052,500 AED)
