After a country wins the World Cup, do they get to keep the trophy for good or do they have to return it?

[Rotheso]

I heard that for a team to keep their World Cup trophy forever they have to win 4 World Cups. Is that true? Otherwise, do they get to keep the trophy every time they win it (the World Cup) and not return it? Thanks for any answers.

[drawkwa421]

World Cup winners receive a gold-plated replica of the original World Cup Trophy which they get to keep forever. The original can no longer be received by any team, as it is now the permanent property of FIFA. Originally, the winners received the trophy but had to give it back unless they won it three times. Brazil did this in 1970.

I found an article from FIFA that should help cover the rest:

[Piet Revo]

FIFA has tons of replicas. These are handed out to players. The real one only heads of states and winners may even touch (so the legend goes anyway)

[Lenor V]

No they don't. They keep it for 4 years, until the next world cup, when they have to return it, to the next champion. The "Jules Rimet" cup, the original, Brazil got to keep after they won their 3rd World Cup.
(And then it was stolen, ha! Now they only have a replica!)

[Rickyy]

Yes its only Brazil who got to have the real cup .. and I hope they will have more in years to come... btw, did anybody know any history behind the design of the cup?