Wire flash
SportsNew Jersey demands revenue share from FIFA's World Cup final grass patch sales
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill's office is demanding a share of FIFA's revenue from selling patches of grass from the World Cup final field at MetLife Stadium. FIFA is offering four tiers of grass collectibles, priced from $450 to $3,000, with potential total sales exceeding $11 million. A spokesperson for Sherrill argued that New Jersey taxpayers funded the majority of the pitch cost and should benefit from the proceeds. The World Cup final, featuring Spain against either England or Argentina, is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium. The article notes that FIFA has previously sold similar grass patches from the Club World Cup final. It remains unclear how any revenue-sharing agreement would distribute funds to New Jersey taxpayers.
Source report
Topline
Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s (D-N.J.) office is seeking a share of FIFA’s revenue from selling patches of grass from the World Cup final field, according to Politico. The federation aims to generate over $11 million from the sales.
Key Facts
- Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Sherrill, told Politico: “New Jersey paid for the vast majority of the total expense for the pitch at MetLife stadium, so New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds from this latest money grab.”
- The World Cup final, featuring Spain against either England or Argentina, will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
- According to multiple outlets, FIFA is selling small pieces of grass from the field for $450 per piece, with three other versions priced at $900, $1,200, and $3,000.
- It remains unclear how any proceeds from a potential agreement between New Jersey and FIFA would be distributed to state taxpayers.
- Forbes has reached out to Sherrill’s office for comment.
What Exactly Do The Grass Patches Include?
The $450, $900, and $1,200 tiers include 2.5″ x 2.5″ x 2.5″ patches of grass. While it is unclear what differentiates them, patches from the goal area, penalty spot, and center circle may cost more. The $3,000 version includes a 3″ x 3″ x 3″ section, a gold-etched metal souvenir ticket, a mini replica World Cup final ball, and a crystal-cut glass World Cup trophy, according to The Athletic. The Athletic reports FIFA could generate $11.2 million if all pieces sell out.
Key Background
FIFA has previously sold grass patches, offering pieces from last year’s Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Those items were sold in glass-encased cubes containing real grass and soil from the final.
Grass patches from this year’s World Cup final are among several high-priced items FIFA is offering for the tournament. The soccer governing body is also selling limited-edition host city jerseys for $375 each.
Tickets for the tournament have been historically high, though prices for certain matchups—including the quarterfinal between Belgium and Spain—have tumbled on the secondary market. As of Tuesday, tickets for the World Cup final start at $7,443 on the secondary market, according to TickPick.
Further Reading
Ticket Prices Collapse Nearly 60% For World Cup Quarterfinal Match After USA, Portugal Eliminated (Forbes)
Source
Forbes - BusinessWestern
Part of this Story
FIFA sells pieces of 2026 World Cup final turf as collectibles for up to $3,000