FIFA selling World Cup Champions Rings and bits of pitch for eyewatering prices

Temporary rings will be handed out after the final (Picture: ChampionsRings.com)

FIFA will be cashing in on the World Cup after it has finished by selling their new Champions Rings and bits of the pitch the final is played on.

Spain and Argentina meet in the World Cup final on Sunday in New Jersey, bringing to a close the biggest edition of the tournament ever.

The final will be the biggest in some ways, with the half-time show set to prolong the interval past the traditional 15 minutes.

A far cry from a quick chicken balti pie and a pint of lager under the stands, the fans in the US will see a half-time show featuring Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber squeezed into the break.

The uber-American experience will also see the winning players earn themselves FIFA World Cup Champions Rings for the first time.

It is a tradition familiar to fans of US sports and it is one that FIFA are brining to football in another bid to cash in on the World Cup.

2,026 Champions Rings are being made, with 30 produced for the winning team, while the rest will be available to buy for fans.

Available at ChampionsRings.com, the souvenirs are priced at $12,000 (£8,926)

FIFA’s website states: ‘Each ring will be part of a strictly limited edition of just 2,026 individually numbered pieces, a direct tribute to the tournament itself. Of these, 30 will be presented to the victorious team, while 1,996 will be made available to fans worldwide as an Official Licensed Product, allowing supporters to own a unique piece of FIFA World Cup 2026 history.’

‘One side of the ring proudly features the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other will be customised to reflect the identity of the winning team. Each ring will be individually numbered, custom-fitted and delivered with its own certificate of authenticity.

‘Immediately after the final, the captain and head coach of the winning team will receive temporary rings to commemorate the occasion. Each of the 30 rings for the winners will then be customised before being officially presented at a later date, ensuring the perfect lifelong fit for an achievement that will echo through eternity.’

The pitch in New Jersey will be chopped up and posted out after the final Getty Images)

Bits of the pitch at New Jersey Stadium are available at a smaller price, but the bit of grass you get is also very small.

On the official FIFA store describes the item as: ‘An authentic 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Piece of the pitch, permanently preserved in a premium acrylic with a USB keepsake. Each piece contains an original fragment of the iconic Final playing surface, making it a unique collectible that celebrates one of the world’s greatest sporting events.

‘The acrylic USB features an authenticity film, while offering a sleek, contemporary display piece. Presented in a premium hinged shoulder box with striking spot UV detailing, this exclusive item is designed for collectors, fans, and football enthusiasts alike.’

(Picture: FIFA Store) (Picture: FIFA Store)

The little bit of grass is housed in that cube with dimensions of 17.5cm × 17.5cm × 17.5cm.

That will cost you £335, if you fancy it.

Or if you’re feeling really flush you can go up to the ‘hero edition’ which also includes a crystal-cut glass World Cup trophy, a gold-etched metal souvenir ticket and a certificate of Authenticity Mini replica adidas Trionda™ World Cup Final ball.

(Picture: FIFA Store)

That will only cost you £2,240.

The move has not gone down well locally, with Mike Inganamort of the New Jersey Assembly hitting out at FIFA for flogging the grass after a huge amount was spent to get it up to standard.

‘Fifa needs to get off our turf, literally. New Jersey taxpayers funded $13m in upgrades to MetLife Stadium, including replacing the artificial turf with grass,’ said Inganamort.

‘Additionally, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority holds the stadium’s land lease.

‘This is state-owned property. FIFA can’t just sell off the soccer pitch without permission. What is happening is not just a bad deal for the taxpayers of New Jersey, it’s illegal.

‘The Sherrill administration must use every tool at their disposal to stop FIFA from selling off our field, including seeking a restraining order.

‘It is American-grown grass paid for by the taxpayers of New Jersey and planted at a state-owned complex.

‘The sale must follow all the rules and laws that dictate how state surplus property is sold. It must benefit New Jersey taxpayers — not FIFA or a host committee that splits resources across New Jersey and New York.

‘FIFA’s World Cup was bankrolled by New Jersey taxpayers, and they have walked all over us. This is the final insult. It is time this administration stands up to them.’

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