LHosting the World Cup is one of the biggest dreams of every soccer fan, whether they’re players or fans. This coveted and exclusive trophy has been the star of every single one of the sport’s biggest events, going to the champions of each final as well as leaders such as Claudia Sheinbaum, Mark Carney and Donald Trump.
However, not everyone can touch this precious trophy, and violating FIFA’s strict rules can have serious consequences.
Who can touch the World Cup?
With an estimated value of $20 million and immense historical significance, this trophy is one of the most protected and honored trophies in the world of sports. For this reason, protocols have been established for the storage and protection of this precious cup, made from 6,170 kilograms of pure 18-carat gold and designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga.
FIFA regulations state that only a select group can participate in the World Cup. Winning players and coaching staff are allowed to hold, kiss and celebrate the original trophy on the field.
Another group of authorized persons includes heads of state and presidents of the event host and current champion countries, which is why Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, and Mark Carney have been authorized.
Finally, to maintain the exclusive importance of the trophy, established football legends specially appointed by FIFA for special events and the FIFA President as the highest authority join this prestigious list.
It is hoped that representatives from each country will have concrete opportunities to interact with cup competitions in preparation for the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
However, if anyone not on this list attempts to access or ultimately touch the ultimate trophy, they may be subject to disciplinary or unofficial bans, fines, expulsion from the event, or suspension.
The latest case involves Chef Salt Bey in 2022, who gained popularity due to his fame. The culinary star sneaked into Argentina’s third World Cup victory celebrations at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium and after struggling to claim the trophy, he was given a harsh punishment that would prevent him from appearing in any matches during the 2026 tournament.
Access is very limited and exclusive, so the winning team will be able to hoist the trophy during the ceremony, but will not be able to take it home. According to sinembargo.mx, a gold-plated bronze replica will be sent in its place, while the original cup will be returned to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, or remain on display at the World Football Museum.
Meanwhile, the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026, with a match between the Mexican national soccer team and the South African national soccer team at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The match will be the opening game of the first edition of the 48-team World Cup, and marks a milestone for Mexico’s stadium, which will be the first (after 1970 and 1986) to host the opening three games of the tournament. The match kicks off more than a month of tournaments at venues in Mexico, the United States and Canada, ahead of the opening ceremony.
