FIFA Introduces Championship Rings for World Cup Winner in US First

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA will award championship rings to the winning team, a tradition mainly associated with American sports. Ahead of the final match between Argentina and Spain on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, 30 special rings will be created for the new world champions. Each ring will feature a miniature World Cup trophy and personalized engraving inside. Additionally, FIFA will release a limited collector's edition of 1,996 rings for fans, commemorating the year 1996 when the United States was announced as the host of this World Cup.

US President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winning team during the final, marking his first appearance at the tournament despite it including 102 matches. Trump had not attended any games, including those of the US team, which was eliminated in the round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium. His presence at the final highlights his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which became a focal point during the tournament.

During the World Cup, Trump requested Infantino to reconsider the red card given to US forward Paul Arriola. Shortly after, Arriola's automatic suspension was suspended, allowing him to play in the loss against Belgium. This decision sparked significant criticism worldwide, especially since red and yellow card suspensions for other players, including those from France and England, were not overturned despite appeals.