How much is the World Cup trophy worth?
How much is the world cup trophy worth in 2026? How much it cost to make world cup trophy? Watch & Bet on Football =>
It is the most coveted prize in sports, the pinnacle of athletic achievement that sends billions into a frenzy every four years.
When Lionel Messi finally hoisted it in 2022, an entire nation wept with joy. When Kylian Mbappé came so close, his pain was felt across continents.
But have you ever stopped to look at the object itself? That iconic golden trophy is more than just a symbol of footballing supremacy; it is a physical object made of precious materials and imbued with a value that is almost impossible to calculate.
Is it the gold that makes it expensive? The history? Or does its worth actually lie in the eye-popping sums of money that come along with it?
As the world gears up for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, we take a deep dive into the economics of glory to answer the question: How much is the World Cup trophy actually worth?
How much does the World Cup trophy cost?
If we are talking about the cost of the raw materials and the craftsmanship required to build the current trophy, the figure is surprisingly tangible.
The trophy you see lifted on the pitch is not the original Jules Rimet Trophy (which was stolen in Brazil in 1983 and never recovered).
The current FIFA World Cup Trophy was designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga and introduced in 1974. In terms of hard asset value, it is the most expensive sports trophy in the world.
Standing 36.8 centimeters tall and weighing 6.1 kilograms, it is composed of 18-carat gold. The base is made of two layers of malachite, a semi-precious stone, which gives it that distinct green hue.
Based on the gold content alone—roughly 4.9 kilograms of pure gold—the melt value would be significant.
However, as a finished piece of art and sporting history, its estimated value is placed at approximately $20 million.
Unlike the Jules Rimet, which was won outright by Brazil after their third victory in 1970, the current trophy remains in FIFA’s possession.
The winners receive a gold-plated bronze replica, officially known as the “World Cup Winners‘ Trophy,” while the solid gold original is brought out only for the official ceremony and celebrations.
What is the most expensive trophy in the world?
While $20 million sounds astronomical, how does the World Cup trophy compare to prizes in other sports?
According to a 2025 ranking by WION, the FIFA World Cup trophy sits comfortably at the top of the podium as the most expensive trophy in all of sports.
Here is how the “big one” compares to other famous prizes:
FIFA World Cup (Soccer): Estimated at $20 million.
Woodlawn Vase (Horse Racing): Awarded at the Preakness Stakes, this intricate piece of sterling silver is valued at around $4 million.
Borg-Warner Trophy (Motorsport): The prize for winning the Indianapolis 500 is made of sterling silver and stands over 1.6 meters tall, valued at roughly $3.5 million.
FA Cup (Soccer): Despite being the oldest domestic cup competition in the world, its sterling silver composition values it at about $1.18 million.
The World Cup’s value is nearly five times that of its nearest competitor, proving that in the hierarchy of sports hardware, football’s crown jewel is unrivaled.
Top 10 most expensive football trophy in the world
Of course, the World Cup isn’t the only expensive piece of silverware in football. Across Europe and South America, the trophies themselves are treasures.
Here are the top 10 most expensive football trophies based on their material composition and historical craftsmanship:
FIFA World Cup: $20 million (18-carat gold & malachite)
Copa Libertadores: $8.5 million (Sterling silver & bronze)
UEFA Europa League: $4.5 million (Pure silver)
FA Cup: $1.18 million (Sterling silver)
Ballon d‘Or: ~$500,000 (Gold-plated brass) – Note: This is an individual award, not a team trophy.
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): $150,000 (24-carat gold plating)
Serie A Trophy: $66,000 (Silver & sodalite base)
Bundesliga Meisterschale: $57,000 (Silver, gold parts, & tourmaline gems)
UEFA Champions League: ~$15,000 (Silver) – Surprisingly low on the list despite its prestige, as the current design is a lighter replica of the original cup.
English Premier League Trophy: ~$10,000 (Silver & malachite)
It is interesting to note that the prestige of a trophy rarely correlates with its material cost.
The Champions League trophy, the most-watched annual sporting event on earth, costs less to make than a compact car, yet it is priceless to the clubs that win it.
How much is the World Cup worth (The 2026 Prize)
While the physical trophy is valued at $20 million, the real money in modern football is tied to the “World Cup” as a brand and an event. So, how much is the tournament worth to the winners?
For the 2026 edition, FIFA has approved a record-breaking financial package.
The total prize money allocated for the 48 participating nations stands at a staggering $655 million, part of a broader $727 million distribution fund that includes team preparation payments.
The team that lifts the trophy at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026, won’t just take home the $20 million cup; they will also receive a check for $50 million in prize money.
This is a significant increase from the $42 million given to Argentina in 2022.
For context, here is the full breakdown of what victory is worth in the 2026 tournament :
- Champion: $50 million
- Runner-up: $33 million
- Third place: $29 million
- Fourth place: $27 million
- Quarterfinalists: $19 million
Even the teams that finish at the bottom of the group stage will not go home empty-handed.
Each of the 48 teams is guaranteed a base payment of $9 million for participating, plus an additional $1.5 million to cover preparation costs, ensuring that simply qualifying guarantees a federation at least $10.5 million.
Interestingly, while $50 million is a record for the World Cup, it pales in comparison to the new money flowing into club football.
FIFA’s recently expanded Club World Cup saw English side Chelsea take home a staggering $125 million for winning the title—more than double the World Cup purse.
FIFA argues this discrepancy exists because clubs pay player wages year-round, whereas national teams are temporary assemblies.
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