Can Super Eagles ever lift it? 6 golden facts about the FIFA World Cup trophy

Mar 30, 2026 - 10:00

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take center stage in just over two months. For the first time ever, 48 nations will slug it out, leaving blood, sweat, and tears on pitches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Unfortunately for Nigerian fans, the Super Eagles will be absent from the world’s biggest stage after failing to qualify despite multiple opportunities. Nonetheless, the tournament will proceed without the three-time African champions.

For many players, competing in the Mundial is the pinnacle of success—a surreal peak and a testament to the heights of their careers. There is a lot at stake: massive prize money, national pride, bragging rights, and the rare opportunity to lift the original trophy.

As the most coveted prize in global sports, we explore some fascinating facts about the FIFA World Cup trophy.

1. The Weight of Gold

World cup trophy in 2010 World Cup. Copyright imago

While the trophy weighs a total of 6.142 kilograms, 5.092 kilograms of that is solid 18-karat gold. However, as a historical icon, the trophy’s estimated valuation sits at a staggering $20 million.

2. A Historic Debut

The current trophy made its debut at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. Before this, winners were awarded the Jules Rimet Trophy, named in honor of FIFA’s third president.

The Jules Rimet Trophy that was awarded to the winner of the 1930 FIFA World Fussball in Uruguay on display at the exhibition The History Makers and hosted by the FIFA — The Jules Rimet Trophy that was awarded to the winner of the 1930 FIFA World in Uruguay. (Photo by Imago)

FIFA retired the Jules Rimet after Brazil’s third victory in 1970. Tragically, the original Jules Rimet was stolen in 1983 and has never been recovered.

3. The Winner’s Prize

Winning captains only lift the original trophy during the post-match celebration. Afterward, each winning nation receives a gold-plated bronze replica to take home.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Angel di Maria pose with the trophy. (Photo by Imago)

So if you ever see a World Cup trophy in a national museum or cabinet, remember: it is a high-quality replica, not the solid gold original.

4. The Vault in Zurich

The original trophy is permanently housed at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, near the organization's headquarters. It rarely leaves its high-security home except for prestigious events like the official Trophy Tour or the World Cup final itself.

5. The Bottom Disk

Following each tournament, a new disk is engraved and attached to the base of the trophy to immortalize the newest champion. If you were to flip the trophy over today, you would see Argentina engraved as the reigning champions following their 2022 triumph.

6. Africa’s Quest for Glory

Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Adam Masina, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Nayef Aguerd, Morocco during AFCON game between Super Eagles and Morocco — Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Adam Masina, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Nayef Aguerd, Morocco. Copyright: IMAGOxshengolpixsx

In the history of the FIFA World Cup, no African team has ever lifted the trophy. While Morocco made history by reaching the semi-finals in 2022, the title has remained exclusively with European and South American nations.

With the 2026 edition at hair's length, the excitement is palpable. It remains to be seen if an African underdog can finally shock the world by July.