Besides the prestigious gold trophy and a $50 million prize, the 2026 World Cup champion will also receive a special reward from the International Football Federation (FIFA). For the first time in the tournament's history, the winning team will receive custom-designed championship rings, inspired by the traditions of professional sports leagues in the United States.
According to FIFA, only 30 rings were crafted specifically for members of the winning team, including players and coaching staff. After the final match between Spain and Argentina on the morning of July 20th, the captain and coach will receive temporary rings to commemorate the victory. The official versions will be personalized for each individual and presented at a ceremony later.
Each ring is part of a limited collection of 2,026 pieces, corresponding to the year of the World Cup. Of these, 30 are reserved for the winning team, while 1,996 will be offered for sale by FIFA to fans worldwide; the price has not yet been announced.
The ring's design incorporates many World Cup elements. One side is engraved with the image of the championship trophy, while the other is customized to reflect the identity of the winning team. Each piece is custom-made to size and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
The idea of presenting a championship ring is very popular in professional sports leagues in the US such as the NFL's Super Bowl, the NBA's NBA, the MLB's World Series, or the NHL's Stanley Cup. FIFA hopes this gift will become a new symbol, marking a historic milestone for the World Cup champion.
If Spain or Argentina defeat their opponent in the final, they will not only lift the gold trophy and receive a record-breaking prize money, but also become the first team in the history of world football to own the FIFA World Cup winner's rings.