World Cup trophy's gold value surges 157% to $713,000

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the trophy's intrinsic value has hit $713,000 — a 157% jump from $277,000 in 2022. The 4.93kg (174oz) pure gold statue, first cast in 1974 at a material cost of $25,000, has seen its bullion worth rise nearly thirtyfold, according to the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). The surge mirrors a broader gold rally fueled by institutional investors fleeing geopolitical tensions, inflation fears, and economic uncertainty. Central banks have also been aggressive buyers, underpinning demand.

"While the trophy itself is ultimately priceless to players who lift it, its rising melt value offers a striking illustration of how sharply gold prices have increased in recent years," said Debajit Saha, lead analyst at LSEG Metals Research. The 2026 tournament, hosted in the US, sees players vying not just for glory but for a prize whose material value now eclipses all previous benchmarks — a stark reminder of gold's enduring role as a safe haven during volatile times.