NEW YORK: The winners of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will receive championship rings alongside the trophy and gold medals, marking the first time such awards will be introduced in the tournament’s history.
What will the winners receive?
FIFA said 30 specially designed rings will be presented to the winning team after Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The team captain and head coach will initially receive temporary versions during the trophy ceremony, with the rings later customized according to the winning team’s identity and individually fitted before the official presentation.
One side of the ring will feature the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other side will include details representing the champions.
The players’ rings will be part of a limited edition of 2,026 individually numbered pieces. FIFA said the remaining 1,996 rings will be sold worldwide as officially licensed merchandise.
How is FIFA changing the World Cup presentation?
Championship rings are traditionally associated with major North American sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, and NHL. Their introduction at the World Cup reflects FIFA’s growing adoption of elements commonly seen in US sporting events.
The 2026 tournament has also featured other changes, including a halftime entertainment show for the final, a format more closely linked with the Super Bowl.
FIFA has also introduced mandatory hydration breaks during matches, with three-minute pauses around the 22nd and 67th minutes. The governing body said the breaks were implemented to protect players amid high temperatures and humidity during the North American summer.
However, the policy has faced criticism from some players, coaches, and fans, who argue that the stoppages interrupt the flow of matches and provide additional tactical opportunities for teams.
The World Cup final halftime interval between Spain and Argentina is also expected to exceed 15 minutes due to preparations for the tournament’s first halftime performance.
Broadcasting sources said the stage installation for the 11-minute show would take around seven minutes, with additional time required to remove equipment and prepare the pitch for the second half.