FIFA will introduce a new tradition at Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, with the winners set to receive championship rings after lifting the trophy.

The rings are inspired by a long-standing tradition in American sports, where champions in competitions such as the NFL’s Super Bowl receive specially designed jewellery to celebrate their success.

A total of 30 rings will be produced for the newly crowned world champions, while another 1,996 will be available for supporters to purchase. Each item will feature a miniature version of the World Cup trophy as part of its design, along with a personalised engraving on the band.

Trump confirmed for trophy presentation at MetLife Stadium

Donald Trump will attend the final and present the trophy to the winning team, despite not having watched any of the 102 matches played during this World Cup.

The US president missed all of the United States’ fixtures before their elimination in the last 16 by Belgium. However, his appearance at major sporting occasions is not unusual, with Trump previously attending events including the Super Bowl, the US Open tennis tournament, the NBA finals, and the Ryder Cup.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had already announced that Trump would be present at the final, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed his attendance.

World Cup controversy involving Trump and Infantino

The connection between Infantino and Trump has been at the centre of the tournament’s biggest controversy after the US president contacted the FIFA chief to request a review of United States forward Folarin Balogun’s red card.

The decision to overturn Balogun’s automatic suspension attracted criticism and led to questions over the consistency of disciplinary decisions during the competition.

Balogun was subsequently available for the knockout match against Belgium, although the USA were beaten 4-1 and eliminated from the tournament.

No other red or yellow cards have been suspended during the World Cup, even though France and England both appealed against decisions involving their players.