New Jersey Demands Share of FIFA's Turf Sales from World Cup Final

New Jersey has formally requested a share of FIFA's revenue from selling souvenirs of the 2026 World Cup final, including pieces of turf priced between $450 and $3,000. The state spent $13 million preparing the MetLife Stadium pitch for the tournament, which culminates in Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain. Source: Clarín

The dispute

Governor Mikie Sherrill and state legislators have expressed anger over FIFA's commercialization of the final. Spokesperson Maggie Garbarino stated: "New Jersey has paid several million dollars in expenses to prepare the field... taxpayers should receive part of any benefit." Source: Infobae This is not the first clash: Sherrill's administration previously urged FIFA to cover the cost of public transit to the stadium after ticket prices were raised to $98. Source: Clarín

Financial context

• FIFA anticipates record revenues of $11 billion from the 104-match tournament.
• Final match tickets range from $10,000 to $40,000.
• The state spent $13 million on turf adaptation alone, as MetLife Stadium normally hosts NFL games. Source: Infobae