FIFA will give NBA-style rings to the winners of the World Cup 2026 will walk away with more than just football’s most coveted trophy. In a first for the tournament, FIFA has announced that the victorious team will also receive specially designed championship rings, introducing a tradition synonymous with North American sports. The rings will serve as a permanent memento of the team’s achievement and will be presented alongside the World Cup trophy and winners’ medals after the final.

FIFA to start a new ring tradition

FIFA confirmed that 30 custom-made championship rings will be awarded to members of the winning squad following the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The move marks the first time in the tournament’s history that players will receive championship rings in addition to the iconic trophy and gold medals.

During the post-match trophy ceremony, the captain and head coach of the victorious team will receive temporary rings. The final versions will then be individually crafted and sized for each recipient. Every ring will feature the FIFA World Cup trophy on one side, while the other side will showcase details specific to the winning nation, making each piece unique to that year’s champions.

FIFA said the initiative is intended to provide players with a lasting symbol of their achievement while embracing a sporting tradition widely followed in the United States, one of the three co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA to release limited edition rings

Alongside the players’ rings, FIFA has also launched a limited-edition collection for supporters and collectors. A total of 2,026 commemorative rings have been produced to mark the 2026 World Cup. Of those, 30 have been reserved exclusively for the champions, while the remaining 1,996 will be made available for purchase.

Championship rings have long been associated with major American sports such as the NFL, NBA and MLB, where title-winning teams receive personalised keepsakes to celebrate their success. FIFA’s decision introduces that concept to football’s biggest stage for the first time.

While the announcement has generated excitement among many fans, it has also sparked debate, with some viewing it as a fitting tribute and others questioning whether it adds an unnecessary commercial element to the sport. Regardless of the differing opinions, the 2026 champions will become the first World Cup winners to receive championship rings, adding another unique chapter to football history.