FIFA has announced that it will sell pieces of the original pitch used in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as official souvenirs after the tournament.
The preserved grass will be offered in four price categories $450, $900, $1,200, and $3,000. Each piece will be encased in a specially designed acrylic display and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
According to media reports, FIFA expects the initiative to generate more than $11 million in revenue. A maximum of 2,026 pieces will be sold in each price category, a number chosen to commemorate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA says the collectibles have been created for fans and collectors who want to own a lasting piece of World Cup history. The premium $3,000 package will include a section of the match-day pitch, a gold-engraved commemorative ticket, a miniature World Cup ball, and a crystal replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played at New York New Jersey Stadium (formerly MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. The venue normally uses artificial turf for American football games, but a natural grass surface will be installed for the World Cup. In the past, several players and coaches have expressed concerns about the quality of the temporary natural grass at the stadium.
On the other hand, Argentina won the quarter-final with Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face longtime rivals England.
The South American side had a flying start in Kansas City with their first goal coming in the 10th minute.
However, Alexis Mac Allister received the ball from Messi in the form of a pass and headed the ball into the net giving Argentina the much-needed lead.
After the break in the second half, Switzerland started to fight back aggressively and were able to equalise the score in the 67th minute of the match.
Read more: Switzerland fall as Argentina advance to World Cup semi-finals
