NO LONG THING: Why 2026 World Cup winners won’t be allowed to keep the trophy
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, the ultimate prize awaits the last team standing on July 19. However, alongside the euphoric celebrations, the tournament’s eventual winners will immediately be bound by strict FIFA protocols regarding the iconic World Cup trophy.
Trump to hand over the trophy
In a major ceremonial highlight, United States President Donald Trump is set to present the prestigious World Cup trophy to the winning captain at the MetLife Stadium following the final match.
Confirming the arrangements during an interview with FOX, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course.”
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This will not be Trump’s first time on the football podium; last summer, he awarded the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea, famously joining the Blues in the middle of their celebrations.
The Fine Print: No, you can’t keep it
While players will undoubtedly want to let their hair down and celebrate, FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup regulations outline strict legal and security responsibilities for the victorious nation.
According to the rulebook, the winning Football Association does not get to keep the original solid-gold trophy permanently. Instead, they are granted only temporary custody.
Key regulations include that the winning Participating Member Association must take all reasonable steps, at its own expense, to ensure the absolute safety and security of both the official Trophy and the Winner’s Trophy while in their possession. The team must return the original trophy to football’s governing body immediately upon FIFA’s request.
FIFA notes that it will issue specific “Trophy Regulations” at a later date, and the winning nation must ensure full compliance with no exceptions.
To ensure no one goes home completely empty-handed, all 48 participating member associations will receive a souvenir plaque to commemorate their tournament appearance.
Golden boot race and knockout stage shape-up
Nearly two weeks into the expanded 48-team tournament, the competition is getting fierce. A total of 16 teams will be sent home at the end of the group stage, while 32 progress to the knockout rounds.
Already eliminated are Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, and Panama.
As of June 24, heavyweights Argentina, France, Germany, Mexico, Norway, Colombia, and the host nation, USA, have guaranteed their spots in the next round.
Meanwhile, two-time champions France have emerged as early tournament favorites, putting on a masterclass with a 3-1 victory over Senegal and a comfortable 3-0 win against Iraq. French talisman Kylian Mbappé has already netted four of his country’s six goals.
However, it is Argentina’s Lionel Messi who currently leads the Golden Boot race, scoring a staggering five goals in just two matches. Norway’s Erling Haaland matches Mbappé with four goals, while Germany’s Deniz Undav and Canada’s Jonathan David remain firmly in the hunt with three goals apiece.
Other post-tournament awards to watch
Beyond the team trophy, several individual accolades will be handed out at MetLife Stadium. The Golden, Silver, and Bronze Balls would be awarded to the top three best players of the tournament.
The Golden, Silver, and Bronze Boots would be awarded to the top three highest goalscorers, while the Golden Glove would be awarded to the tournament’s best goalkeeper. FIFA Young Player Award is reserved for the standout player born on or after January 1, 2005, and FIFA Fair Play Award would go to the team that finishes at the top of the fair play standings.
