New Jersey paid for the World Cup field — now FIFA could profit from selling it

⚽Gov. Mikie Sherrill says NJ should share in profits from FIFA's World Cup turf sales

⚽FIFA is selling preserved pieces of the MetLife Stadium championship pitch

⚽The state covered most of the pitch's cost and is expected to lose money

EAST RUTHERFORD — If Gov. Mikie Sherrill gets her way, the state of New Jersey will also profit from the sale of sections of the turf used for the World Cup championship at MetLife Stadium.

FIFA is selling pieces of the grass turf in several versions for as much as $3,000.  The most common is the Foundation Collection, which includes pieces of the pitch encased in 2.5-inch acrylic cubes at $450 each.

Fast Company estimates that the entire FIFA collection could make $11.2 million. Gov. Mikie Sherrill wants a share for the state.

"New Jersey paid for the vast majority of the total expense for the pitch at MetLife Stadium, so New Jersey taxpayers should share in any proceeds from this latest money grab," spokesman Sean Higgins told New Jersey 101.5.

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New Jersey Transit branding in front of MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium on May 01, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Sherrill's predecessor and huge soccer fan, Gov. Phil Murphy, negotiated the deal to bring the World Cup to New Jersey. It was up to Sherrill to implement the plan, including a commitment to transport 40,000 fans via NJ Transit to each match.

The governor vowed not to pass along costs to commuters, which led to an unprecedented round-trip ticket price of $95. The state will likely still lose money as ridership averaged around 25,000 riders per match.

Politico was first to report on Sherrill's comments about the turf sale.

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