FIFA to copy NBA, NFL tradition for World Cup final

FIFA is set to adopt a tradition deeply ingrained in American professional sports, introducing championship rings for the victors of the 2026 World Cup. This move marks a significant departure from the current protocol, where only the World Cup trophy and gold medals are awarded to the winning team.

The 2026 World Cup final, scheduled to be contested by Argentina and Spain, will not only determine the next world champion but also inaugurate this new commemorative practice. FIFA plans to produce 2,026 rings, a number chosen to honor the year of the tournament. Of these, 30 rings will be presented to the members of the champion squad, while the remaining 1,996 will be made available for official sale by FIFA. Each ring will be individually numbered.

The design of the championship rings will be unique. One side will feature the World Cup trophy, while the other will be personalized with elements representing the victorious national team. However, the champions will not receive their rings immediately after the final match. The captain and head coach will be given provisional rings to commemorate the title on the spot. Definitive, custom-fit versions for each player will be manufactured and delivered later, following the personalization process. Meanwhile, the second-place team will adhere to the traditional protocol, receiving only silver medals.

This adoption of championship rings is inspired by the emblematic customs of US sports, where champions of leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL receive personalized jewelry symbolizing their achievement each season. FIFA's decision to incorporate this tradition into the World Cup aligns with the tournament's 2026 hosting in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The final match is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, with Argentina aiming for their fourth title and Spain seeking their second.