New York to host World Cup final with new championship rings for winners
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain will feature a new tradition as the winning team will receive exclusive FIFA World Cup Championship Rings. This marks the first time in the tournament’s 96-year history that such an award will be presented alongside the iconic trophy. The final is scheduled for Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford.
These championship rings are a new symbol of glory, drawing inspiration from a tradition common in American sports, such as those given to NFL Super Bowl victors. Each ring will incorporate a miniature World Cup trophy into its design and will feature an engraving on the band. Initially, 30 rings are designated for the world champions, with an additional 1,996 rings set to be made available for purchase by fans globally.
Immediately following the final match, the captain and head coach of the victorious team will be presented with temporary championship rings during the on-field celebrations. The final versions of the 30 winners’ rings will then be individually custom-made and officially presented at a later date. This customisation aims to ensure a personalised fit and create a lasting keepsake of their World Cup triumph.
The Final Matchup and Notable Attendees
The final match will kick off at 3:00 PM local time. Spain secured their spot in the final by defeating France 2-0 in their semi-final encounter, marking their first World Cup final appearance since their victory in 2010. Argentina advanced to the final after a 2-1 comeback victory against England, ending England‘s hopes of reaching a World Cup final since 1966.
The showdown is set to feature a generational clash between Lionel Messi, aged 39, and Lamine Yamal, aged 19. This will be their first competitive meeting, generating significant interest. A notable moment from 2008, a charity photoshoot where a 20-year-old Messi posed with a baby Yamal in a bathtub at Camp Nou, has resurfaced and become an iconic image in football.
Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend the final and present the trophy. This will be his first attendance at any of the 102 World Cup games played so far this tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously indicated Trump‘s attendance, which was later confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Trump has a history of attending major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, the US Open tennis tournament, the NBA finals, and the Ryder Cup, and also hosted the UFC at the White House during his two presidential terms. It is not uncommon for heads of state in host countries to attend World Cup finals.
Controversy and Other Matches
The relationship between Infantino and Trump has been a point of controversy during this summer’s World Cup. The US president reportedly contacted the FIFA chief to request a review of United States striker Folarin Balogun‘s red card. The subsequent decision to suspend Balogun‘s automatic ban drew heavy criticism, leading to questions about the integrity of the tournament. Balogun was allowed to play in the knockout game against Belgium, where the USA suffered a 4-1 defeat.
No other red or yellow cards have been suspended during this World Cup, despite appeals from France and England for reviews of their own incidents. The USA has co-hosted the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, with the final two matches taking place in America.
Before the final, England will play France in the third-place match on Saturday in Miami, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 BST. The final between Argentina and Spain will commence on Sunday at 20:00.
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Source: bbc.com
