The 2026 World Cup and a Brazil without coins: a column from the Brazilian Numismatic Society
I read a column published in InfoMoney in July 2026, signed by Mariana Campos and Bruno Pellizzari of the Sociedade Numismática Brasileira, and the subject caught my attention. The 2026 World Cup is hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and all three are issuing commemorative coins for the tournament. Mints in Europe, Asia and Africa are also launching themed pieces. Brazil, the most successful team in history and the only five-time champion, has no numismatic programme for this World Cup.
The text looks back at what the country has already done. In 1994, for the tetracampeonato, there were silver and gold pieces. In 2002, for the pentacampeonato, new commemorative coins came out. In 2010, for the World Cup in South Africa, a 5-real silver coin was issued. In 2014, for the World Cup in Brazil, a series of six cupronickel coins, one silver and one gold was released.
The column also recalls the 2016 Olympics: 17 circulating 1-real coins, 17 silver and 4 gold pieces for collectors. The 1-real coins were so popular that many people began looking for them in their change.
It is an opinion column, so the tone is one of regret. I agree that it would be a shame to lose the chance, because coins like these bring the general public closer to numismatics. It remains to be seen whether the Brazilian mint will change course in future competitions.
Source: InfoMoney
The text looks back at what the country has already done. In 1994, for the tetracampeonato, there were silver and gold pieces. In 2002, for the pentacampeonato, new commemorative coins came out. In 2010, for the World Cup in South Africa, a 5-real silver coin was issued. In 2014, for the World Cup in Brazil, a series of six cupronickel coins, one silver and one gold was released.
The column also recalls the 2016 Olympics: 17 circulating 1-real coins, 17 silver and 4 gold pieces for collectors. The 1-real coins were so popular that many people began looking for them in their change.
It is an opinion column, so the tone is one of regret. I agree that it would be a shame to lose the chance, because coins like these bring the general public closer to numismatics. It remains to be seen whether the Brazilian mint will change course in future competitions.
Source: InfoMoney
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