New York: The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will crown either Spain or Argentina as world champions, but there is one tradition that often surprises football fans. While US President Donald Trump is set to hand over the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy after the final, the winning team will not be allowed to take the original trophy home.
Instead, FIFA will present the champions with an official replica after the on-field celebrations, while the original trophy returns to FIFA’s headquarters in Switzerland.
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Original FIFA World Cup Trophy Returns to FIFA
The famous FIFA World Cup Trophy, first introduced in 1974, is considered one of the most valuable prizes in global sport. Because of its history and security concerns, the original trophy remains under FIFA’s protection at all times.
After the final whistle, the winning players will celebrate with the original trophy during the medal ceremony and on the pitch. Once the celebrations conclude, FIFA officials will take it back.
To mark their victory permanently, the champions receive an officially licensed replica instead of the original trophy.
The policy has been in place for decades, ensuring that the original trophy remains preserved for future World Cup tournaments.
Why Can’t the Winners Keep the Trophy?
There is a simple reason behind FIFA’s strict rule: security and preservation.
The World Cup Trophy has a remarkable history and has been linked to thefts in the past, making it one of the most protected sporting trophies in the world. Because of that, only a limited group of people—including World Cup-winning players during official ceremonies and heads of state—are permitted to handle the original trophy.
The winning nation keeps the replica as its official souvenir, while the original remains part of FIFA’s permanent collection.
Donald Trump to Join Trophy Presentation
US President Donald Trump is expected to present the FIFA World Cup Trophy after the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
According to multiple reports, Trump has also been granted permission to join the champions during the trophy-lifting celebration, similar to his appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup trophy ceremony last year.
Ahead of the final, Trump also expressed his desire for the United States to host another FIFA World Cup independently in the future instead of sharing hosting duties.
Speaking while meeting FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump said he would like the next edition to be staged solely in the United States rather than alongside Canada and Mexico.
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Star-Studded Closing Ceremony Planned
Fans arriving before kickoff will also witness one of the biggest entertainment events in FIFA World Cup history.
The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before the final, with American rapper Post Malone leading the performances.
FIFA’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show is expected to feature global stars including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus alongside Coldplay, and appearances by beloved Sesame Street and Muppets characters.
The entertainment lineup is expected to make the 2026 final one of the biggest sporting spectacles ever staged.
Spain and Argentina Eye Football History
While millions of fans focus on who will lift football’s biggest prize, only one team will leave the stadium with the title of world champions—and a replica of the famous trophy.
The original FIFA World Cup Trophy will remain exactly where FIFA intends it to stay: safely protected until the next World Cup champions are crowned.
