The winners of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will make history by becoming the first team to receive specially designed FIFA championship rings.
The rings, inspired by a tradition commonly seen in major American sports such as the NFL’s Super Bowl, will be presented to the victorious squad after the tournament. FIFA will award 30 rings to players and officials, while an additional 1,996 replica versions will be produced for supporters. Each ring will feature a miniature FIFA World Cup trophy along with a custom-engraved inner band.
United States President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he will present the World Cup trophy to the champions. Although Trump has not attended any of the tournament’s 102 matches, including the United States’ run to the round of 16, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt have confirmed his appearance.
Trump’s presence comes after a controversial moment earlier in the tournament when he reportedly contacted Infantino to request a review of the red card issued to United States forward Folarin Balogun. FIFA later lifted the striker’s automatic suspension, a decision that generated widespread criticism and raised concerns about the integrity of the competition.
Balogun returned to action in the United States’ round-of-16 encounter against Belgium, but the hosts were comfortably beaten 4-1. No other player has had a suspension overturned during the tournament despite appeals submitted by France and England in separate cases.
Meanwhile, authorities have maintained air quality advisories across parts of New York due to wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada. Despite the warnings, organisers have indicated there is no threat to Sunday’s World Cup final.
Trump has frequently attended major sporting events during his presidency, including the FIFA Club World Cup final, the Super Bowl, the US Open, the NBA Finals and the Ryder Cup. It is also customary for leaders of host nations to be present at FIFA World Cup finals.
The United States is co-hosting the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with the final two matches taking place on American soil. Before Sunday’s title showdown between Argentina and Spain, England and France will face off in Saturday’s third-place playoff.