Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.)’s office is challenging FIFA’s plan to monetize grass patches from the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, arguing that New Jersey taxpayers deserve a share of the revenue. Because the state provided significant funding for the stadium’s pitch preparations, the office has signaled an intent to seek a portion of the proceeds from the federation’s memorabilia sales.
The Revenue Dispute Over MetLife Stadium Turf
The controversy centers on FIFA’s commercial strategy to sell square-inch segments of the pitch following the World Cup final, which is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. FIFA estimates these sales could generate up to $11.2 million.
Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Sherrill, stated that because New Jersey taxpayers covered the vast majority of the expenses required to prepare the stadium’s field, they are entitled to a portion of the profits. The office has characterized the sale as a "money grab" by the international governing body. There is no formal agreement in place between FIFA and New Jersey officials regarding the distribution of these funds.
FIFA’s Memorabilia Pricing Tiers
FIFA has structured its grass-patch sales into multiple price points, targeting collectors and fans. According to reports from The Athletic, the pricing breakdown is as follows:
- Standard Patches ($450–$1,200): These tiers offer 2.5″ x 2.5″ x 2.5″ sections of turf. While the specific differentiation between these price levels remains unconfirmed, higher-priced segments are expected to come from high-value areas of the pitch, such as the center circle, penalty spots, or goal mouths.
- Premium Souvenir Package ($3,000): This top-tier item includes a larger 3″ x 3″ x 3″ grass section, a gold-etched metal souvenir ticket, a mini replica of the World Cup final ball, and a crystal-cut glass replica of the World Cup trophy.
Precedent and Broader Tournament Economics
This is not the first time FIFA has commercialized the playing surface of a major tournament. The organization previously sold glass-encased cubes containing soil and grass from the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
The debate over the grass patches comes amid broader scrutiny of the tournament’s financial accessibility. While secondary market prices for certain matches, such as the quarterfinal between Belgium and Spain, have seen significant declines due to shifting demand, tickets for the final remain high. According to data from TickPick, entry prices for the final at MetLife Stadium were starting at $7,443. Beyond the grass, FIFA is also selling limited-edition host city jerseys for $375 each to further capitalize on the tournament’s footprint in North America.