FIFA Sells 2026 World Cup Final Grass Patches as New Jersey Demands Revenue Share

New Jersey Demands Revenue Share from FIFA’s Grass Patch Sales

New Jersey’s congressional office has demanded a share of revenue from FIFA’s plan to sell patches of grass from the 2026 World Cup final field, citing the state’s financial contribution to the event. According to Politico, Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s office argued that New Jersey taxpayers should benefit from the sale, as the state funded the majority of the costs for the pitch at MetLife Stadium. The World Cup final, scheduled for July 19, will feature a match between Spain and either England or Argentina, with the venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Sherrill, stated, “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 dispute centers on FIFA’s $11.2 million revenue projection from the grass patches, with no clear agreement on how proceeds would be distributed to the state if a deal is reached.

Grass Patches: Pricing, Packaging, and Revenue Potential

FIFA is selling small pieces of the MetLife Stadium pitch online, with prices ranging from $450 to $3,000. The lowest-tier patches measure 2.5 inches on each side and are encased in resin, while the $3,000 “Hero Edition” includes a 3-inch section, a gold-etched souvenir ticket, a mini replica World Cup ball, and a crystal-cut glass trophy. All items are limited to 2,026 pieces, with the $3,000 tier’s additional items suggesting premium pricing for specific areas of the field, such as the goal area or penalty spot.

The packaging includes an acrylic casing inscribed with the 2026 World Cup logo, venue, date, and the final’s score, along with a USB drive containing an “authenticity film.” The collectibles are produced by UK-based company Keep Stub. If all patches sell out, FIFA could generate over $11.2 million, according to The Athletic.

FIFA’s History with Collectibles and Previous Sales

FIFA has previously sold grass patches from high-profile matches, including the 2025 Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Those items were sold in glass-encased cubes with real grass and soil. The 2026 World Cup grass patches are part of a broader trend of sports memorabilia sales, with other examples including Boise State’s blue turf and Major League Baseball’s dirt jars from the 2025 World Series.

For more on this story, see Erling Haaland’s Texas Raccoon Souvenir Sells Out After Viral Appearance.

The soccer federation also offers limited-edition host city jerseys for $375 each, though production was limited to 999 units.

Context of the 2026 World Cup Final and Its Challenges

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will feature 104 matches across 16 stadiums. The final at MetLife Stadium has faced scrutiny over the pitch’s quality, with Brazil and France players criticizing its dryness and difficulty during earlier rounds. The turf was sourced from a North Carolina farm and installed in May 2026, but its performance has drawn mixed reactions.

The event’s schedule includes semifinals on July 14 and 15, a third-place game on July 18, and the final on July 19. Viewers can watch all matches via Peacock, Telemundo, and Universo, with streaming and TV rights covering 92 games.

Uncertainties and Next Steps

The outcome of New Jersey’s demand for a revenue share remains unclear. While Sherrill’s office has raised the issue, FIFA has not commented on potential negotiations. The state’s claim hinges on the argument that public funds supported the pitch, but no legal or contractual framework has been outlined to address this dispute. Meanwhile, FIFA continues its marketing of the grass patches and other collectibles, emphasizing their exclusivity and historical value.

For taxpayers, the lack of a defined distribution plan leaves the financial impact uncertain. As the final approaches, the conflict highlights broader tensions between international sporting bodies and host regions over economic benefits and public investment.