What’s the World Cup worth? For some, it is a cash cow and a commercial bonanza; to others, a waste of money. Is hosting the tournament worth it? Ever wondered what the World Cup is worth? When Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga designed the current trophy in 1971, it was worth US$50,000. Now the trophy is estimated to be worth US$10m. The World Cup is, however, worth much more than two human figures cast in 18 carat gold.