What's happened
The 2026 World Cup final is nearing as Spain or Argentina compete for the trophy designed in Milan by Silvio Gazzaniga. The piece traces the trophy’s origins, its dramatic history, and how FIFA now awards a replica after the original is kept in FIFA’s Swiss headquarters between tournaments.
What's behind the headline?
Context and symbolism
- The trophy’s design fuses world imagery with athletic struggle, embodying victory and fan jubilation.
- Gazzaniga’s model stood out as the only complete 3D proposal, enabling a full appreciation of form and narrative.
Why this matters now
- With the 2026 final approaching, the trophy’s history underscores the lasting symbolism of global sport and the logistics of keeping the original trophy in FIFA’s secure facilities between tournaments.
Questions readers might have
- How does this design compare to modern trophy aesthetics?
- What are the implications of permanently rotating replicas for branding and legacy?
- Will future finals see any changes to trophy ownership or display?
How we got here
FIFA commissioned a new World Cup trophy after Brazil won its third title in 1970, forcing replacement of the Jules Rimet Trophy. Silvio Gazzaniga’s spiral sculpture, symbolising world, struggle, and jubilation, was chosen from more than 50 proposals. The original Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen twice before being melted down.
Our analysis
Independent reports trace the trophy’s creation and symbolism through Giorgio Gazzaniga’s accounts and FIFA archives. The New York Post provides supplementary details on the original Jules Rimet thefts and the trophy’s physical specifications. Together, they offer a consistent narrative of design justification and post-tournament handling.
Go deeper
- What part of the trophy’s symbolism resonates most with fans?
- Will FIFA consider altering trophy ownership rules again in the future?
- How might this design influence future trophy manufacturing?
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