FIFA will introduce a new tradition at Sunday’s World Cup final by presenting winners’ rings to the victorious team alongside the customary gold medals.
The bespoke rings will be awarded to members of the championship-winning squad after the final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, with United States President Donald Trump expected to attend the trophy presentation ceremony.
The move marks a significant departure from FIFA’s long-standing practice of recognising World Cup winners with medals alone. Winners’ rings have long been a feature of American sports, particularly the National Football League’s Super Bowl, but have never before been part of football’s biggest tournament.
According to FIFA, 30 exclusive rings will be produced for the world champions, while 1,996 replica versions will be made available for fans.
The final will also mark President Trump’s first appearance at the tournament. Although the United States is one of the host nations, he did not attend any of the competition’s first 102 matches, including the host country’s fixtures before its round-of-16 elimination by Belgium.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier indicated that Trump would attend the final, a plan later confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Meanwhile, Infantino’s relationship with the US president has drawn attention during the tournament. Reports that Trump personally contacted the FIFA president to seek a review of the red card issued to United States forward Folarin Balogun generated widespread discussion, although FIFA has not announced any change to the disciplinary decision.
Organisers are also monitoring weather conditions ahead of the final after authorities issued an air quality alert for parts of New York and New Jersey due to smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada.
Despite the advisory, officials have indicated there are currently no plans to delay or reschedule the match at MetLife Stadium.
The final is expected to attract a global audience as Argentina and Spain battle for the World Cup title, with FIFA adding a new post-match tradition to football’s biggest stage.
