Did You Know? Only Three Groups of People Can Touch the World Cup Trophy

As football fans around the world prepare for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, few may know that the original FIFA World Cup Trophy cannot be handled by just anyone.

FIFA has a strict protocol governing who is allowed to hold the iconic gold trophy with their bare hands.

Only three groups of people are permitted to do so:

FIFA World Cup-winning players

Heads of State

The FIFA President

This means that tournament organisers, officials, celebrities, coaches and even runners-up are not allowed to hold the original trophy unless they fall into one of the approved categories.

The rule is intended to preserve the prestige and symbolism of football's most coveted prize, ensuring that lifting the trophy remains an exclusive honour reserved for those who have earned it or occupy specific official roles.

The current World Cup Trophy, introduced in 1974, stands approximately 36.8 centimetres tall, weighs about 6.2 kilograms and is made of 18-carat gold. Unlike the original Jules Rimet Trophy, it remains the permanent property of FIFA, with World Cup winners receiving a gold-plated replica to keep.

On Sunday night, either Spain or Argentina's captain will join the exclusive list of people permitted to lift football's greatest prize.