FIFA is selling pieces of the turf from the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for $450 each. The segments, measuring 17.5 by 17.5 by 17.5 units (dimensions unspecified), are preserved in acrylic and come with a USB keepsake. The move comes as ticket prices for the final and other matches have dropped significantly.
Ticket Prices Fall Sharply
Resale prices for the World Cup final have decreased by 28% over the past week, with the average ticket now priced at $7,149, down from a peak of $12,200. Quarterfinal match tickets have also seen steep declines, with prices dropping by up to 50% in some cases. For example, the lowest price for the Spain-Belgium quarterfinal fell to $1,381 from $3,261 after the U.S. was eliminated.
Supply and Demand Dynamics
Experts attribute the price drops to fluctuating supply and demand, influenced by FIFA’s dynamic pricing model. Stephen Shapiro, a professor of Sport and Entertainment Management at the University of South Carolina, noted that forecasting demand for the World Cup is challenging due to its infrequent location changes and the expanded 48-team format. The U.S. market’s vibrant secondary ticket market has also played a role in price volatility.
Fan Reactions and Market Trends
Some fans, like 65-year-old Jake van Baarsel, took advantage of the lower prices to attend matches they had previously considered unaffordable. The price drops follow earlier reports of underwhelming interest in the tournament, partly due to high ticket costs compared to past competitions.