FIFA World Cup 2026 winners set to receive NBA-inspired championship rings

In a major turn of events, FIFA is all set to introduce NBA-inspired championship rings for the winners of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the very first time in the history of the tournament. The victorious side will receive the championship rings along with the prestigious title and gold medals.

FIFA confirmed that the winning side of the 2026 edition will be awarded with the championship rings, making football's biggest tournament to embrace one of the most iconic traditions in the culture of American sports.

FIFA embraces American sports culture

During the post-game celebrations,, the winning captain and head coach will be presented with provisional rings. Meanwhile, FIFA will manufacture individually sized rings for each of the 30 members of the winning contingent, with the personalised pieces to be given at a later official ceremony.

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The move represents a historic first for FIFA, which is bringing a well-established North American tradition to the World Cup. Championship rings are commonly awarded to title-winning teams in competitions such as the NBA, NFL and MLB as an additional symbol of celebrating success along with the main trophy.

Final made in La Masia

Argentina will lock horns against Spain in the final of the 2026 edition. Lionel Messi, who came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, will lead Argentina against a Spain side featuring several La Masia graduates, including Pau Cubarsi, Dani Olmo, Gavi and Lamine Yamal.

However, much of the attention will be focused on the highly anticipated duel between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Nineteen years ago, Messi posed with an infant Yamal during a charity photoshoot, long before the teenage sensation emerged as Barca's latest star on the right wing, the same position once dominated by the Argentine icon.

The world cup final could produce one of the most poetic games in the history of sporting events. In what is expected to be Messi's final game for his national side, the football icon will come up against the young talent he famously held as a baby.