Just before halftime at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, a rare sight emerged from the VIP section of the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey: Barron Trump, the youngest son of President Donald Trump, standing alongside his parents. The 6ft 7in teenager, known to be a soccer lover, towered above the packed stadium as the match unfolded.
But the spectacle on the pitch was matched by a historic moment off it. For the first time, the winners of the World Cup are being presented with commemorative rings – a prize that Fifa said is “bringing one of the most recognisable American sporting traditions to the global game”. Alongside the iconic trophy and gold medals, the victorious team will receive the rings as a symbol of their triumph.
“World Cup winners to get rings for first time; Barron Trump makes rare appearance at final.”
Each ring features the World Cup trophy on one side and the winning nation’s name on the other. Players will be handed replicas immediately after the final, with the official customised versions delivered at a later date. A total of 30 rings will go to the players and coaches of the winning nation, and a further 1,996 are available for fans to buy – numbered, custom-fitted, and each with its own certificate of authenticity.
Fifa has yet to reveal how much the fan rings will cost or where they can be purchased. For now, the focus remains on the action at MetLife Stadium, where either Spain or Argentina will be the first to add a ring to their World Cup glory.