World Cup Final Gets a Super Bowl Twist: Winners to Receive Gold Rings for the First Time

FIFA has introduced a new tradition for the biggest night in international football, with the winners of Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain set to receive specially designed championship rings.

Inspired by the famous tradition followed in American sports, particularly the NFL Super Bowl , the rings will celebrate the achievements of the new world champions. FIFA will create 30 exclusive rings for the winning squad, while another 1,996 rings will be made available for fans to purchase.

The specially crafted rings feature a miniature World Cup trophy design along with an engraving inside the band, giving players and supporters a lasting reminder of the tournament triumph.

The final at MetLife Stadium will also see US President Donald Trump attend the match and present the trophy to the champions. Trump had not attended any of the previous 102 World Cup matches , including the United States' campaign before their elimination by Belgium in the last 16.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had earlier confirmed Trump's presence, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also announcing that the president would be at the final.

Trump's relationship with FIFA and Infantino has been one of the major talking points during this tournament. The US president had contacted Infantino over the red card received by American striker Folarin Balogun , leading to a review of the suspension decision.

The move sparked criticism, with questions raised over whether special treatment was given. Balogun was eventually allowed to play in the knockout stage, although the USA suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Belgium .

The controversy gained more attention after appeals from other teams, including France and England , over disciplinary decisions did not result in similar suspensions being overturned.

Trump has frequently attended major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, US Open tennis, NBA Finals and Ryder Cup , making his appearance at the World Cup final part of his long history with major sporting occasions.

The Argentina-Spain final will conclude a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico , with football fans worldwide waiting to see who lifts the famous trophy and receives FIFA's new championship rings.