The stage is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the event. However, behind the scenes, a dispute has emerged between New Jersey and FIFA over the sale of small sections of the pitch as souvenirs.
The controversy centers around FIFA’s plan to sell approximately five-square-yard sections of the natural-grass field, cut into individually numbered cubes. These souvenirs are priced between $450 and $3,000 with the most expensive version including a gold-etched replica ticket and a crystal-cut glass trophy.
New Jersey’s Financial Stake in the Pitch
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has been vocal about the state’s financial contributions to the World Cup. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority invested $13 million to prepare the pitch for the games. Sherrill’s spokesperson, Maggie Garbarino emphasized that New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds from the pitch sales.
“As the governor has said, New Jersey paid multiple millions for the total expense for the pitch at MetLife Stadium, so New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds,” Garbarino stated.
The Host Committee’s Perspective
The New York New Jersey World Cup Host Committee argues that the revenue from the pitch sales will support programs in the region. While FIFA licenses its intellectual property for the sale, the majority of the revenue will go to the committee’s general fund. However, the exact percentage split has not been disclosed.
Natalie Hamilton a spokesperson for the host committee, highlighted the broader economic impact of the World Cup. She noted that investments by New Jersey, New York State, New york city, the federal government, and partners have generated billions in economic impact and hundreds of millions in regional tax revenue.
The Broader Context of FIFA’s Financial Policies
The dispute over the pitch sales is part of a larger issue: FIFA’s policy of not sharing tournament profits with host countries or cities. Richard Sheehan a professor emeritus of finance at Notre Dame, has studied FIFA’s financial practices extensively. He found that FIFA keeps the broadcasting money, merchandising, licensing, and concessions, leaving host cities to rely on indirect benefits like hotel stays and bar tabs.
Sheehan’s analysis suggests that FIFA’s ticket revenue projections for this tournament are significantly lower than actual figures. He estimated ticket revenue to be closer to $7.5 billion compared to FIFA’s projection of around $3 billion.
State Senator Raj Mukherji who sits on the Budget and Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the challenges but pointed to the economic benefits New Jersey and New York have already seen. He argued that the investment in the World Cup will pay off in the long run, citing infrastructure upgrades and tax revenue.
The battle over the grass is just one front in a summer-long turf war between New Jersey and FIFA. As the World Cup final approaches, the dispute highlights the complex financial dynamics of hosting a global sporting event.
