Zuko Komisa

- The iconic trophy weighs 6.142 kg, containing over 5 kg of solid 18-carat gold.
- First awarded in 1974, the original masterpiece is permanently curated at the FIFA Museum in Zurich.
- Champions receive a gold-plated replica whilst the original’s base disk is updated with the new winner.
Ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 tournament, global focus returns to the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy.
Standing 36.5 centimetres tall, the iconic prize contains 5.092 kg of pure 18-carat gold, supported by a base inlaid with two bands of green malachite.
Designed by Silvio Gazzaniga and first used at the 1974 tournament, the authentic trophy is rarely handled.
It remains under tight security at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, leaving only for major official events and the tournament’s opening and final matches.
To preserve the original, winning nations do not keep it.
Instead, they receive a bespoke gold-plated bronze replica, whilst the original’s bottom disk is replaced after each tournament to engrave the newest champion’s name in their native language.
Here are someone interesting facts about the the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy:

READ NEXT: South African football mourns the tragic death of Mamelodi Sundowns star Jayden Adams



