FIFA to award first-ever championship rings to World Cup 2026 winners

For the first time in its history, FIFA will present championship rings to the winners of the World Cup, borrowing one of American sports' most recognisable traditions for football's biggest stage.

FIFA governing body made the announcement on Thursday (July 16), days ahead of Monday's final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium.

The champions will receive the rings in addition to the World Cup trophy and gold medals that have traditionally marked victory.

A limited edition of 2,026 individually numbered rings has been produced to commemorate the tournament, with 30 reserved for members of the winning squad. The remaining 1,996 will be made available to fans worldwide as an official licensed product, giving supporters the chance to own a piece of the tournament's history.

Each ring carries the FIFA World Cup trophy engraved on one side, while the other side is customised to reflect the identity of the winning nation. The rings will be individually numbered, custom-fitted and delivered with a certificate of authenticity.

Immediately after the final whistle, the winning captain and head coach will be presented with temporary rings during the on-field celebrations. The permanent versions for all 30 squad members will be custom-made afterward to ensure a personalised fit, serving as a lasting memento of the achievement.

Monday's final pits defending champions Argentina against European champions Spain.

Argentina reached the title clash with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England in the semi-final, with Enzo Fernandez equalising before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner. Spain, meanwhile, reached their first World Cup final since 2010 after seeing off France 2-0 in the last four.