First time ever: FIFA unveils special ‘ring’ award ahead of Messi vs Yamal final

FIFA unveils historic World Cup championship rings (Image: X)

For the first time in the 96-year history of the FIFA World Cup, the champions will be awarded exclusive FIFA World Cup Championship Rings, adding a new symbol of glory alongside the iconic trophy. The rings will make their debut after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford.One side of the championship ring features the iconic FIFA World Cup Trophy, while the other will be custom-designed to reflect the identity of the winning nation. FIFA has also unveiled a limited-edition collection of 2,026 rings, with 30 reserved for the World Cup winners and the remaining 1,996 made available to fans worldwide.Immediately after the final, the winning team’s captain and head coach will receive temporary championship rings during the on-field celebrations. The final versions of the 30 winners’ rings will later be individually custom-made and officially presented, ensuring a personalised fit and creating a lasting keepsake of their World Cup triumph.

Spain vs Argentina: A final for the ages

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will kick off at 3:00 PM local time (12:30 AM IST on Monday, July 20), with Spain and Argentina battling for football’s biggest prize, and the inaugural championship rings.The showdown also features a captivating generational storyline as 39-year-old Lionel Messi prepares to face 19-year-old Lamine Yamal in their first-ever competitive meeting. The clash has generated worldwide interest, fuelled by the rediscovered 2008 charity photoshoot in which a 20-year-old Messi posed with a baby Yamal in a bathtub at Camp Nou, a moment that has since become one of football’s most iconic images.Argentina booked their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England, ending the Three Lions’ hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966. Spain, meanwhile, secured their first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy in 2010 by defeating France 2-0 in a composed semifinal display.