FIFA will introduce World Cup winners’ rings for the first time when Argentina and Spain meet in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The rings, inspired by the long-standing tradition in American sports, will be presented to members of the winning team alongside the World Cup trophy, marking a major departure from FIFA’s traditional practice of awarding only gold medals.
A total of 30 exclusive rings will be presented to the newly crowned world champions, while 1,996 replica rings will be made available for purchase by football fans after the tournament.
The presentation ceremony will be attended by United States President Donald Trump, who has also been confirmed to present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winning captain.
Although the United States is one of the tournament’s host nations, Trump has not attended any of the competition’s 102 matches so far, including those involving the host team before its elimination in the round of 16.
His attendance at the final was confirmed by the White House after FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier hinted that the US leader would be present.
The relationship between Infantino and Trump has drawn attention during the tournament following reports that the US president contacted the FIFA president to seek a review of the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun earlier in the competition.
Meanwhile, FIFA is monitoring weather conditions ahead of the final after authorities issued an air quality warning for the New York and New Jersey area due to wildfires in Canada.
Despite the advisory, tournament organisers have indicated there are currently no plans to delay or reschedule the final.
Argentina and Spain will battle for the World Cup title in what promises to be a historic finale, with FIFA introducing a new tradition that blends global football with one of American sport’s most recognisable championship customs.
