FIFA’s strict World Cup trophy rule was broken by two celebrities
The 2026 World Cup line-up is complete, with all 48 teams now qualified for the summer showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Argentina are the defending champions, having won the trophy for the third time when Lionel Messi and his team beat France on penalties at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Lionel Scaloni became the 21st manager to lead a country to a World Cup triumph since 1930 but bizarrely at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C, he was not allowed to touch the trophy.
Scaloni brought the trophy on stage for the ceremony but did so wearing white gloves. The decision raised eyebrows, with the Argentina football federation said to be unhappy.
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The former West Ham player went on to comment that he believes officials "mistook me for someone else" and therefore wouldn't allow him to touch the trophy.
A different ceremony took place a day on from the draw, where Scaloni was allowed to handle the gold without gloves.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was forced to issue an apology, saying: “Of course, the world champions can touch the cup. I apologise, I didn’t know. What an outrage! It’s just that when you’re a world champion, you look younger every day.”
There are strict rules surrounding who is allowed to touch the World Cup, but as a former winner, Scaloni is eligible to handle it. So too were late legends like Diego Maradona and Pele, as well as heads of state such as US president Donald Trump.
As per Sky News, the rules on FIF's official website state: "As one of the most recognised sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, which includes former winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state."
However, there are two high-profile cases of when that rule was broken.
Back in 2014, pop sensation Rihanna was in attendance for a number of games at the World Cup in Brazil and for reasons still unclear, found herself at the after party when Germany beat Argentina in extra time.
The 'Good Girl Gone Bad' singer posed with match-winner Mario Gotze but also had a picture where she was kissed on the cheek by Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski while holding the World Cup.
Posting pictures on social media, she wrote: "I touched the cup, held the cup, kissed the cup, took a selfie with the cup!!! I meeeaan...... what is YO bucket list looking like bruh?"
Salt Bae made promise after touching World Cup trophy
Given her status a huge star, Rihanna avoided any consequences but there was a near carbon-copy situation involving 'Salt Bae' after the 2022 final.
The chef and internet personality, real name Nusret Gokce, achieved viral fame thanks to his way of seasoning meat and gold steaks.
He found his way onto the pitch in Argentina's celebrations and managed to get pictures with a whole host of players, including captain Messi despite the Barcelona legend initially declining.
Salt Bae, who has 51.6 million followers on Instagram, also had a picture with the World Cup trophy and received huge backlash.
Many speculated that he was invited onto the pitch due to an apparent association with Infantino, who called him a "legend" and said he was "number one" in a video at his Dubai restaurant.
But FIFA issued a comment to journalist Tariq Panja, saying: "Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on 18 December. The appropriate internal action will be taken."
Salt Bae was banned from the US Open - the oldest football tournament in America - but does not appear to have been punished by FIFA in any way.
However, in February 2025, the Turkish chef issued an apology and made a promise that he would never touch the World Cup again.
Speaking to Arabian Business, Salt Bae said: "I love Argentina, I love football. and this is an accident. My mistake. Before I don't know the rules, now I know the rules.
"Some people loved it and some didn't like but it doesn't matter. You must follow the rules. Next World Cup, I'll never touch the World Cup.
"I'll go of course to the stadium to see the match but I will never touch again."
The World Cup trophy is said to be 18-carat gold and worth £17.7 million. The trophy ends up back at FIFA's museum in Switzerland after the post-match celebrations are done and dusted.
The winning team get a replica edition which they can keep on a temporary basis.
Topics: FIFA World Cup
Josh Lawless