A new prize is being added to the World Cup celebrations
The winners of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will become the first champions of a FIFA competition to receive championship rings.
The rings will be awarded alongside the traditional World Cup trophy and winners’ medals following Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Championship rings are closely associated with North American leagues such as the NFL and NBA, where players and staff receive individually designed jewellery to commemorate a title.
FIFA is now bringing the tradition to international football during a tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Only 2,026 rings will be produced
FIFA says the collection will be limited to 2,026 individually numbered rings, marking the year of the tournament.
Thirty will be produced for the winning team. The remaining 1,996 rings will be made available to supporters worldwide as an Official Licensed Product.
A price for the supporter edition had not been announced at the time of writing.
What will the winners receive?
One side of each ring will carry an image of the FIFA World Cup trophy.
The other side will be customised after the final to represent the identity of either Spain or Argentina, depending on which team becomes world champion.
The rings will be individually numbered, fitted to their owners and accompanied by certificates of authenticity.
Because the final design depends on the winning country, temporary rings will reportedly be handed to the victorious captain and head coach during the post-match ceremony. The completed personalised rings will be presented later.
A welcome keepsake or unnecessary Americanisation?
For some supporters, the ring provides players with a personal and wearable reminder of one of football’s greatest achievements.
Others may see it as another commercial product or an unnecessary attempt to introduce traditions from American sport into international football.
The trophy and gold medal have represented World Cup success for generations. Does the ring add something special, or was it never needed?
