FIFA sells grass from 2026 World Cup final pitch for up to Sh387k

FIFA has started selling limited-edition pieces of the pitch from New York New Jersey Stadium, the venue that will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The collectables start at Sh58,000 ($450) and feature a section of the match surface preserved in resin.

According to the sales page, the items will only be shipped after the World Cup final on July 19 and are available exclusively to customers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Each piece is housed in an acrylic display engraved with the 2026 FIFA World Cup logo, the stadium name, the date of the final and the match's final score.

Buyers will also receive a USB drive containing an authenticity film.

The collectables are produced by UK-based Keep Stub, which is also offering three premium editions priced at Sh116,000 ($900), Sh155,000 ($1,200) and Sh387,000 ($3,000).

Each tier is limited to 2,026 units, meaning FIFA could generate more than Sh1.45 billion ($11.2 million) if the entire collection sells out.

The standard, mid-tier and premium editions each contain a 2.5-inch cube of the playing surface, while the Sh387,000 ($3,000) Hero Edition includes a larger 3-inch cube of grass.

It also comes with a gold-etched commemorative ticket, a miniature replica of the World Cup final match ball and a crystal cut glass replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy.

The stadium pitch has already drawn attention during the tournament.

According to The Athletic, the grass was grown at a turf farm in North Carolina before being installed at the venue in early May.

Players from Brazil and France later criticised the surface, describing it as dry and difficult to play on during earlier matches.

The grass collectables are the latest addition to FIFA's growing range of premium World Cup memorabilia.

In May, the governing body also unveiled limited-edition host city jerseys priced at Sh48,000 ($375).

Only 999 jerseys were produced for each of the tournament's 16 host cities, although they remain available for purchase.

Selling pieces of iconic sporting venues has become increasingly popular.

Boise State is offering sections of its famous blue football turf, with prices ranging from Sh5,200 ($40) for a small sample to Sh3.2 million ($25,000) for a 400-square-foot section that includes professional installation.

Major League Baseball also sells jars containing dirt from Game 7 of the 2025 World Series for Sh6,500 ($50) each, while Sotheby's recently auctioned two sections of the court used during NBA Finals Games 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden, with each selling for more than Sh12.9 million ($100,000).