The Italian sculptor who designed the FIFA World Cup trophy wanted to capture three sporting emotions in a single spiralling form: the athlete’s struggle, the fan’s jubilation and the moment of victory.
On Sunday, either Spain or Argentina will feel a little of all three as the winner lifts the trophy after the 2026 World Cup final.
Ahead of an action-packed World Cup weekend, here’s what to know about football’s most coveted prize.
The World Cup trophy was designed in Milan
When Brazil took permanent possession of the original trophy by winning its third World Cup in 1970, FIFA launched an open competition for a new design. The winner would be a 50-year-old sculptor from Milan.
