The Americanisation of the World Cup reached a new level on Friday when it was announced the winners of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina will receive rings to mark their achievement.
The giving of rings is a US tradition reserved for the team that clinches the title in the big four sports of American Football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey but is not something that has ever been recognised in football.
That is until now and they will be awarded to players from either La Roja or the Albiceleste, who meet in New Jersey at the weekend.
World Cup rings are a ‘symbol of triumph’, say FIFA ahead of Spain v Argentina
A FIFA statement read: “On Sunday, 19 July, the FIFA World Cup 2026 champions will be crowned. In addition to the iconic trophy and prestigious gold medals, a new symbol of triumph will be awarded to the winning team.
“In a momentous first for a FIFA competition, the tournament winners will also receive bespoke championship rings, bringing one of the most recognisable American sporting traditions to the global game.
“Each ring will be part of a strictly limited edition of just 2,026 individually numbered pieces, a direct tribute to the tournament itself. Of these, 30 will be presented to the victorious team, while 1,996 will be made available to fans worldwide, allowing supporters to own a unique piece of FIFA World Cup 2026 history.
“One side of the ring proudly features the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other will be customised to reflect the identity of the winning team. Each ring will be individually numbered, custom-fitted and delivered with its own certificate of authenticity.
“Immediately after the final, the captain and head coach of the winning team will receive temporary rings to commemorate the occasion. Each of the 30 rings for the winners will then be customised before being officially presented at a later date, ensuring the perfect lifelong fit for an achievement that will echo through eternity.”
FIFA have embraced financial opportunities of staging World Cup in the US
FIFA has already received criticism for fawning to the US market with mandatory hydration breaks, even for games in air-conditioned stadiums, that effectively separate matches into four quarters and enable broadcasters to shoehorn in more commercials.
US president Donald Trump will attend the final, his first match of the tournament.
Trump was involved in one of the biggest controversies of the World Cup when he confirmed he had spoken to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino regarding the one-match ban handed out to US striker Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun’s ban was suspended, enabling him to play in the last-16 tie against Belgium which the US lost 4-1.
No other red cards have been given the same treatment throughout the World Cup.
