Sunday’s World Cup final will have a whole new touch. For the first time in history, the winning team will receive championship rings – just like in American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.
The Americanization of the World Cup in football has reached a new level. On Friday, FIFA announced that the winners of the final between Spain and Argentina – which will be played in New Jersey – will not only receive gold medals, but also exclusive champion rings.
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From American sports to global football
Giving rings to champion teams is a tradition from America’s four major sports. Now the football world is adopting the concept.
In an official statement from FIFA, it says:
– On Sunday 19 July, the World Championship champions will be crowned. In addition to the iconic trophy and gold medals, a new triumph symbol will be awarded to the winning team. For the first time in a FIFA tournament, winners will also receive specially designed championship rings.
The rings will be part of a strictly limited edition of only 2,026 individually numbered rings – a direct tribute to the tournament itself.
- 30 rings go to the victorious team.
- 1,996 rings will be available to fans around the world – allowing supporters to own a unique piece of World Cup history. – And if you’re wondering, they’re going to cost, no one knows. Of course, there will be an auction.
This is what the rings look like
One side of the ring is marked by the iconic World Cup trophy. The other side will be specially adapted to reflect the identity of the winning team.
Each ring is individually numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
After the final, the captain and head coach of the winning team will receive temporary rings on site. Then, each of the 30 rings is customized before being officially presented later – to ensure they are the perfect fit for a performance that will resonate through eternity.
Criticism hails – but FIFA continues
FIFA has already been heavily criticized for introducing mandatory drinking breaks in matches – even in air-conditioned stadiums – that effectively split the matches into four quarters of an hour and allow broadcasters to squeeze in more commercial breaks.
That there will be a halftime show in the finale that means that the quarter break that is always there, suddenly lasts for half an hour to make room for artists like Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira.
Now the rings come as another clear sign that FIFA is embracing the American market with open arms.
Trump is coming – and the controversy raged
US President Donald Trump will be present at the final, his first match in the tournament.
Trump was also in the middle of one of the World Cup’s biggest controversies when he confirmed that he had spoken to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino about the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was suspended for one match. After Trump’s interference, the ban was suspended – allowing Balogun to play the round of 16 against Belgium. The United States lost 4–1.
No other red card has received the same treatment during the entire championship.
The final awaits
On Sunday, Spain and Argentina meet in New Jersey – and the winners will not only receive gold and glory, but also a ring that will symbolize the triumph forever.
One thing is for sure: FIFA has never been more American than it is now and has never been more focused on making money. – Money first, then possibly fans and football.
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