How much does the World Cup weigh and how long does FIFA give the original trophy to the champions

The FIFA World Cup trophy, known officially as the FIFA World Cup Trophy, will once again take center stage during the 2026 final, which will see Argentina and Spain compete for the title at the MetLife Stadium. While the winning captain will raise the original trophy during the award ceremony, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) only allows the team to hold it for a brief period before it is retrieved and replaced with an official replica. This practice has been in place since the tournament’s inception and is governed by strict security protocols. The original trophy, designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga following a competition organized by FIFA, weighs 6.175 kilograms and stands 36.8 centimeters tall. It is crafted from 18-karat gold and features a base adorned with two bands of malachite, a semi-precious green stone. The design was intended to symbolize the unity and dynamism of global football, with Gazzaniga describing the piece as “lines emerging from the base, rising in spirals and extending to embrace the world.” Two athletes are depicted in a moment of triumph, embodying the spirit of victory. Despite its grandeur, the trophy is hollow, allowing it to remain significantly lighter than if it were solid gold. Experts estimate that if constructed entirely of solid gold, it would weigh over 68 kilograms. Since 2016, the original trophy has been displayed permanently at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. It is only transported outside this location for three official events: the draw, the opening match, and the final. Access to the trophy is strictly regulated. Only the reigning world champions and heads of state can touch it with bare hands. All other authorized individuals must wear white gloves. This rule led to a notable incident before the 2026 World Cup, when Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni wore gloves while carrying the trophy during the tournament draw. The following day, FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly apologized and invited Scaloni to lift the trophy without gloves, acknowledging his status as a world champion. According to FIFA's regulations, specifically Article 45 of the World Cup Regulations, the original trophy is handed to the winning team immediately after the final whistle during the award ceremony on the field. Once the official celebrations conclude, the team must return the trophy to FIFA in the dressing room. The regulation states: “The winning team of the FIFA World Cup 26 shall….” This protocol ensures the trophy remains under FIFA’s control and is protected from potential damage or loss. The original trophy is not meant for long-term possession by the victorious nation, reinforcing FIFA’s role as the governing body of international football. The tradition dates back to the early years of the World Cup, influenced by the disappearance of the original Jules Rimet trophy, which sparked concerns over its safety and eventual recovery. The 2026 final will mark another chapter in the history of the World Cup trophy, continuing a legacy that balances celebration with responsibility. As the match approaches, all eyes will be on the stadium, where the original trophy will briefly belong to the winners before returning to its secure home in Zurich.