2026 orders completed; FIFA announces surprise gift for World Cup winners

NEW YORK: With all eyes on Sunday for the World Cup final, FIFA announced a surprise prize for the team emerging as the winner in the tournament. In addition to the trophy and gold medal, FIFA will also present the winners with custom-designed championship rings.

The introduction of the special prize is an unprecedented one from FIFA. Inspired by American sports traditions, these rings will be given to the members of the winning team. Championship rings are traditionally given to winners in major American football leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB.

FIFA is producing a total of 2,026 rings. The specially made rings will have the image of the World Cup trophy on one side and the winning team on the other. Of these, 30 will be reserved for the winning team members and their staff. The remaining 1,996 rings will be marketed as official FIFA products for football fans around the world.

The captain and head coach will reportedly be given temporary rings immediately after the final. The permanent rings, specially made to measure for the team members, will be handed over at an official ceremony later. The Spain-Argentina final will be held at New Jersey Stadium in New York on July 19.