FIFA to Present World Cup Rings to Final Winners

FIFA will present championship rings to the winners of Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The rings follow a tradition from American sports where Super Bowl winners receive similar items. Thirty rings will be given to the world champions. Another 1,996 rings will be sold to fans. Each ring will feature a miniature World Cup trophy and an engraving on the band.

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Trump is scheduled to present the trophy at the final. He has not attended any of the 102 World Cup matches so far, including all of the United States team's games before their elimination by Belgium. FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously stated that Trump would attend the final.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the plans. The relationship between Infantino and Trump drew attention after the president contacted Infantino about a red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun. The decision to suspend Balogun's automatic ban drew criticism over tournament integrity.

Balogun played in the knockout match against Belgium, which the United States lost 4-1. No other red or yellow cards were suspended during the tournament despite appeals from France and England.

A weather warning is in effect for New York over air quality from Canadian wildfires. Officials have not indicated that the final at MetLife Stadium will be affected. The United States co-hosted the tournament with Canada and Mexico. The third-place match between England and France is scheduled for Saturday evening in Miami, followed by the final on Sunday.