FIFA is selling pieces of the grass that will be used in the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for $450 each. Each piece measures 17.5 by 17.5 by 17.5, though the exact unit of measurement is not specified. The collectible turf, preserved in acrylic with a USB keepsake, is marketed as a genuine piece of football history. FIFA’s online store is only shipping these turf pieces to addresses in the U.S. and Europe, with orders being dispatched after the final. In addition to the turf, regular tickets for the final are priced up to $32,970, while hospitality tickets, which include food and drinks, are listed at $34,500 and $32,500. There has been criticism regarding the quality of the MetLife field, which typically features an artificial surface for NFL games.
Why It Matters
The sale of turf pieces highlights FIFA’s commercial strategy surrounding the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place across multiple venues in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. High ticket prices for the final reflect the growing demand and commercialization of major sporting events. FIFA’s decision to sell the field’s grass correlates with ongoing debates about accessibility and affordability in sports. Additionally, the criticism of MetLife Stadium’s playing surface underscores concerns about field quality, which can impact player performance and safety during significant matches.
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