History will be made on Sunday when either Argentina or Spain lifts the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, but this time, the celebrations will come with something football has never seen before.
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA will award championship rings to the tournament winners, borrowing a tradition that has long been synonymous with American sports.
The groundbreaking move adds another unique chapter to an already historic edition of the competition, which has been jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
World Cup Winners to Receive Historic Rings
Instead of leaving with only medals and the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy, members of the victorious squad will also receive specially designed championship rings.
FIFA will present 30 rings to players and officials of the winning team after Sunday’s final.
Each ring has been specially crafted to commemorate the triumph and will feature a miniature FIFA World Cup trophy alongside an engraved inner band marking the achievement.
The governing body also announced plans to produce 1,996 replica rings, allowing football fans across the world to own a collectible inspired by the historic final.
Championship rings have traditionally been associated with American sporting competitions such as the NFL’s Super Bowl, NBA, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the NHL, making this the first time the concept will be introduced at football’s biggest tournament.
Trump to Present World Cup Trophy
United States President Donald Trump is expected to present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the champions after the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Although Trump has not attended any of the tournament’s 102 matches, including the United States’ campaign, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have confirmed his attendance for Sunday’s showpiece.
His appearance follows a series of high-profile visits to major sporting events during his presidency, including the FIFA Club World Cup final, Super Bowl, US Open, NBA Finals and the Ryder Cup.
Balogun Controversy Still Casts Shadow
Trump’s involvement in the final comes months after one of the tournament’s most controversial incidents.
During the competition, the US president reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to seek a review of the red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun.
FIFA later overturned the player’s automatic suspension, allowing him to return for the USA’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
The decision generated widespread criticism from football observers, particularly because similar appeals submitted by England and France over separate disciplinary cases were rejected.
Despite Balogun’s return, the United States crashed out of the tournament after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Final Set to Go Ahead Despite Air Quality Concerns
Meanwhile, authorities have continued to monitor air quality in the New York metropolitan area following smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires.
You May Like: Spain vs Argentina: FIFA Confirms Referee for 2026 World Cup Final
Health advisories remain in effect across parts of the region, but organisers have indicated there is currently no threat to Sunday’s final, with preparations continuing as scheduled.
Football Awaits a New Champion
The road to the final concludes this weekend with England taking on France in Saturday’s third-place playoff before attention shifts to Sunday’s blockbuster showdown between defending champions Argentina and Spain.
Beyond the battle for football’s biggest prize, the winners will also become the first national team in history to receive FIFA World Cup championship rings, adding an entirely new symbol of glory to the sport’s most prestigious tournament.