World cup 2026: championship rings debut amid controversies

The FIFA World Cup is going global, both on and off the pitch.

Fans to receive championship rings

In a first for the tournament, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will award numbered championship rings to winners, marking a departure from the traditional trophy and medals.

According to FIFA, there will be a total of 30 rings, with 30 for the actual champions and the remaining for high-paying fans worldwide. Each ring is custom-made, numbered, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Controversies mar the tournament

Despite the novelty of the rings, the World Cup has been marred by controversies, from human rights concerns to criticisms of the hosting nations' treatment of migrant workers.

Mens' rights groups have slammed FIFA for failing to uphold its own human rights standards during the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, amidst a backdrop of repressive US policies against immigrants.

Amnesty International USA's Daniel Noroña accused the FIFA of not using the