The winners of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will receive specially designed championship rings, marking the first time the tournament has adopted a long-standing American sporting tradition.
A total of 30 rings will be awarded to members of the victorious team, while FIFA will also release 1,996 replica versions for supporters. Each ring features a miniature World Cup trophy along with a custom engraving inside the band, creating a unique keepsake to celebrate the champions’ success.
The final at MetLife Stadium will also be attended by US President Donald Trump, who is expected to present the World Cup trophy following the match. Although Trump has not been present at any of the tournament’s previous 102 games, including the United States’ campaign, the White House has confirmed his attendance after FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously announced the plan.
Trump is no stranger to major sporting occasions, having attended events including the Super Bowl, the US Open, NBA Finals and Ryder Cup, while also hosting UFC events at the White House during his time in office. Attendance by the host nation’s head of state at a World Cup final is not considered unusual.
His involvement in this year’s tournament has, however, drawn attention following a controversial intervention earlier in the competition. Trump contacted Infantino to request a review of United States forward Folarin Balogun’s red card, after which the player’s automatic suspension was overturned. The decision sparked criticism over the tournament’s integrity, particularly as no other red or yellow card sanctions were lifted despite appeals from other nations, including France and England. Balogun returned for the USA’s last-16 clash against Belgium, where his side suffered a 4-1 defeat.
Meanwhile, air quality alerts remain in effect across parts of the New York region due to smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires. Despite the advisory, there has been no indication that conditions will disrupt Sunday’s final.
Before the championship match, England and France will meet in Saturday’s third-place play-off in Miami, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 BST. Argentina and Spain will then battle for the World Cup title on Sunday, with the final beginning at 20:00 BST.