For every participant at the 2026 World Cup, the ultimate goal is hoisting the trophy, yet those who reach the podium—champions, runners-up, and the third-place side—are also honored with commemorative medals.
FIFA presents gold, silver, and bronze medals to the nations finishing in the top three. The victors receive gold after the final, while the defeated finalist and the third-place squad are awarded silver and bronze, respectively.
In contrast to the championship rings debuting in 2026, medals have been a staple of the tournament for decades. Each edition features a refreshed design, but they remain among the most meaningful individual awards a player can earn.
Gold Medals: Distribution, Materials, and Estimated Value
Gold medals go to the players, coaches, and staff of the World Cup-winning team. FIFA has not disclosed the precise materials or valuation of the 2026 medals, though their prestige lies in marking supremacy at soccer’s premier event.
Medals on auction are not easy to get for collectors (Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Runner-Up Medals: Composition, Look, and Silver Status
Silver medals are given to the runner-up following the final. Despite the name, FIFA has not publicly confirmed the exact materials used for the 2026 edition.
Third-Place Medals: Recipients and Design
Bronze medals are awarded to the winner of the third-place match. The squad’s players and staff receive them in recognition of their tournament result.
Do Fourth-Place Teams Receive Medals?
No. The losing side in the third-place match is not awarded medals.
Can Players Keep Their Medals?
Yes. The players, coaches, and staff who receive World Cup medals retain them as a personal tribute to their accomplishment.
What Is the Value of World Cup Medals?
The official value of the World Cup medals has not been released, yet a 2018 gold medal sold for over $70,000 through Julien’s Auctions, illustrating worth beyond raw materials. Their true significance stems from rarity and the honor they symbolize, as only podium-finishing teams gain access to them.
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