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Spain and Argentina will play for first-ever World Cup rings, which fans will even be able to buy
Spain squad
- Full squad
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1 David RAYA Goalkeeper
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2 Marc PUBILL Defender
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3 Alex GRIMALDO Defender
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4 Eric GARCIA Defender
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5 Marcos LLORENTE Defender
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6 Mikel MERINO Midfielder
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7 Ferran TORRES Forward
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8 Fabian RUIZ Midfielder
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9 GAVI Midfielder
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10 Dani OLMO Forward
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11 Yeremy PINO Forward
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12 Pedro PORRO Defender
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13 Joan GARCIA Goalkeeper
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14 Aymeric LAPORTE Defender
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15 Alex BAENA Midfielder
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16 RODRI Midfielder
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17 Nico WILLIAMS Forward
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18 Martin ZUBIMENDI Midfielder
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19 Lamine YAMAL Forward
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20 PEDRI Midfielder
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21 Mikel OYARZABAL Forward
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22 Pau CUBARSI Defender
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23 Unai SIMON Goalkeeper
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24 Marc CUCURELLA Defender
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25 Victor MUNOZ Forward
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26 Borja IGLESIAS Forward
Argentina squad
- Full squad
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1 Juan MUSSO Goalkeeper
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2 Marcos SENESI Defender
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3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO Defender
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4 Gonzalo MONTIEL Defender
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5 Leandro PAREDES Midfielder
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6 Lisandro MARTINEZ Defender
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7 Rodrigo DE PAUL Midfielder
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8 Valentin BARCO Midfielder
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9 Julian ALVAREZ Forward
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10 Lionel MESSI Forward
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11 Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder
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12 Geronimo RULLI Goalkeeper
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13 Cristian ROMERO Defender
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14 Exequiel PALACIOS Midfielder
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15 Nico GONZALEZ Midfielder
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16 Thiago ALMADA Forward
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17 Giuliano SIMEONE Forward
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18 Nico PAZ Forward
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19 Nicolas OTAMENDI Defender
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20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER Midfielder
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21 Jose Manuel LOPEZ Forward
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22 Lautaro MARTINEZ Forward
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23 Emiliano MARTINEZ Goalkeeper
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24 Enzo FERNANDEZ Midfielder
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25 Facundo MEDINA Defender
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26 Nahuel MOLINA Defender
Spain and Argentina are set to meet in the FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium, with the added novelty that winners will receive commemorative rings for the first time in the tournament's history. The match marks a shift in tradition for football's biggest prize, borrowing an accolade more commonly associated with American sports leagues such as the NFL and NBA, and adds extra significance to what is already the pinnacle fixture in world football.
The final will be played on natural grass, a departure from the artificial surfaces typically used at the venue. Notably, fans will reportedly be able to purchase their own version of the rings, allowing supporters to own a piece of the occasion regardless of which side lifts the trophy. Coverage of the build-up has focused heavily on Argentina talisman Lionel Messi, with pundits weighing in on his leadership and legacy ahead of the showpiece game.
In short
- Spain face Argentina in the World Cup Final on Sunday.
- Winners will receive World Cup rings for the first time ever.
- Fans will be able to buy replica versions of the rings.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Introducing championship rings and enabling fan purchases modernises the World Cup and deepens global engagement with the sport. These commemorative items provide players with tangible recognition of their achievement whilst allowing supporters to participate meaningfully in the occasion and create lasting memories. Such evolution reflects football's development as a truly global enterprise and can enhance the tournament's cultural significance and accessibility.
The case against
Championship rings and commercialised merchandise risk undermining the World Cup's unique heritage by importing American sporting conventions and commodifying football's pinnacle achievement. The tournament's authority has rested on sporting excellence alone, and introducing mass-produced items transforms the celebration of victory into a commercial transaction. This prioritises profit over the traditions that have made the World Cup transcendent across cultures and generations.
Explained simply
The World Cup is football's most prestigious tournament, held every four years, with the final being the sport's greatest prize. Spain and Argentina have both established themselves as among the world's strongest football nations, with multiple tournament appearances and strong track records. Their meeting in the final therefore represents a contest between two elite football powers.
This final will make history by introducing championship rings as prizes, the first time the World Cup has awarded them. The innovation represents a shift away from traditional ceremonies, adopting a practice more commonly seen in American sports such as American football and basketball. Supporters will be able to purchase commemorative rings of their own.
Argentina's squad is led by Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest players in football history. The focus on his role in the final reflects broader discussions about his career legacy and what this match could mean for how he is remembered.
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