The Beautiful Game, Struck in Gold

In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament set to break records with 48 nations competing, a quiet but powerful collector programme was rolled out by the London Mint Office and its sister companies across Europe.

The idea? To create something worthy of football’s biggest stage.

Three countries. Three champions. One initiative.

Argentina, France, and Spain — each with a proud World Cup legacy — launched official FIFA coin editions, produced by their national mints and distributed exclusively through a tightly curated programme.

These weren’t generic releases. They were highly limited, first-strike editions, with signatures from true footballing legends.

• France: A clean and bold design featuring North American landmarks in tribute to the 2026 host nations. These included prints hand-signed by 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit.

• Argentina: A tribute to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Goal of the Century”, captured on coin and accompanied by a rare run of 100 gold coins and signed prints by 1978 champion Osvaldo Ardiles.

• Spain: A dynamic design struck in both silver and gold. The gold first strikes — just 100 made — and prints signed by 2010 World Cup hero David Villa, Spain’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament.

These weren’t gimmicks. They were carefully considered, beautifully made, and executed to the highest standards, with most editions selling out rapidly.

Each capsule included a QR code giving owners exclusive access to footage from the signing session. A small detail, but one that added to the collector’s sense of ownership and connection. When you’re holding a coin signed by a legend, with video proof in your pocket, it hits differently.

This wasn’t a marketing stunt. It was a thoughtful programme built for people who care about the game, and the history behind it.

The London Mint Office and its partners worked with official mints to strike coins in the finest precious metals (.9999 gold and .999 silver), with proof finishes, low mintages, and structured releases that rewarded early collectors. From 1g trophy-shaped gold coins to full-size premium issues, the range was broad but focused.

Each edition had a clear reason to exist. And that’s what made it work.

This was the first phase of a longer campaign. With more teams than ever competing in 2026, and football’s global reach continuing to grow, collectors can expect follow-ups in the months ahead - including second series releases and further VIP packages tied to iconic players and nations.

But if this first drop proved anything, it’s that when done right, football and collecting are a perfect match.

Because in the end, it’s not just about the coin. It’s about the moment it represents.