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World Cup Final Set for July 19 as FIFA Introduces Championship Rings and Boosts Prize Money

FIFA’s new presentation choices and larger financial payouts reflect a shift toward U.S.-style staging and greater commercial returns for the expanded 2026 tournament.

Overview

  • The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be played at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. ET.
  • FIFA confirmed it will award first-ever World Cup championship rings in a limited run of 2,026 pieces, with 30 bespoke rings reserved for the winning squad and 1,996 offered to fans and collectors.
  • The captain and head coach of the winning team will receive temporary rings on-field after the match and the 30 permanent rings will be custom-sized and delivered later, each individually numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
  • FIFA increased the tournament prize pool to a record $871 million, with champions to receive $51 million and the overall pot split into roughly $703 million in performance rewards and $168 million in non-performance support plus guaranteed preparation grants.
  • Organizers are monitoring hazardous air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke for the large crowd expected at MetLife Stadium and have taken measures such as offering high-filtration masks and public health guidance for fans and players.