Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
FIFA World Cup final turf is now being sold to fans in several markets, with small pieces of the pitch from New York New Jersey Stadium listed online before the 2026 final.
The move has drawn attention because the top tier of FIFA’s pitch souvenir plan could help generate more than $11.2 million, or about A$16.1 million, if all four product levels sell out.
For more World Cup coverage before the semi-finals, read Kylian Mbappé Leadership Keeps France Grounded Before World Cup Semifinal.
FIFA Sells Pieces Of Final Pitch
According to The Athletic, fans in the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe can buy a small section of the final pitch for US$450, or about A$647.
Each piece comes in an acrylic case marked with the 2026 FIFA World Cup logo, venue, date and final score.
FIFA is also selling higher-priced versions at US$900, US$1,200 and US$3,000.
The first three tiers include a 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch by 2.5 inch turf section, while the US$3,000 “Hero Edition” includes a larger 3 inch cube.
That version also comes with a gold-etched metal souvenir ticket, a mini replica final ball and a crystal-cut glass World Cup trophy.
Each tier is limited to 2,026 items, a clear nod to the year of the tournament.
For official tournament fixtures and results, fans can follow the FIFA World Cup scores and fixtures page.
Haaland Mania Reaches Peru
The commercial story is not the only off-field talking point as the World Cup heads deeper into the knockout rounds.
In Peru, national identity registry figures show hundreds of newborns have been named after Norway striker Erling Haaland.
The registry said 468 children carry Haaland’s surname, while 91 have the full name Erling Haaland.
“Different football stars serve as inspiration for Peruvians to register their children with these names,” registry spokesperson Ivan Torres told Panamericana Television.
The rise has been linked to Norway’s stunning run, with Haaland scoring seven goals in four matches.
He scored both goals in Norway’s historic win over Brazil and has helped the nation reach its first World Cup quarter-final.
“Haaland is also Peruvian,” Torres said.
Football naming trends have taken hold in Peru before.
The registry says 3,402 people in the country bear the name Messi, with 292 carrying Lionel Messi’s full name.
Cristiano Ronaldo has 1,185 Peruvian namesakes, while 1,241 are called Yamal after Spain winger Lamine Yamal.
Neymar remains far ahead, with 33,809 people named after the Brazil star.
England Trio Return Before Norway Clash
England received a timely lift before their quarter-final against Norway, with Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all returning to training on Friday.
James has missed the last three matches with a hamstring injury, leaving Thomas Tuchel short of options at right-back.
The Chelsea captain could return to the starting side, with Jarell Quansah suspended after his red card in England’s 3-2 win over Mexico.
Guehi and Rice both played the full match against Mexico City, but missed training alongside James on Wednesday.
Guehi is dealing with a hamstring strain, while Rice has also had a hamstring issue and illness during the week.
If selected, Manchester City defender Guehi will face club teammate Erling Haaland in one of the quarter-final’s most watched matchups.
Courtois Consoles Lammens After Spain Error
Belgium’s exit also produced a painful goalkeeper story after Thibaut Courtois left the Spain quarter-final in the 71st minute with a muscular problem.
Senne Lammens came on at SoFi Stadium, but his late spill from Pau Cubarsí’s shot allowed Mikel Merino to score Spain’s 88th-minute winner.
“I gave him a big hug. He’s a great goalkeeper. You only get stronger from this,” Courtois said of his teammate.
“Eventually you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
“You know, he will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season.”
Courtois said he had wanted to stay on, but Belgium coach Rudi Garcia wanted a fully fit goalkeeper.
“Obviously, I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone 100%,” Courtois said.
Belgium defender Brandon Mechele also defended Lammens after the match.
“It’s a learning moment for him,” Mechelen said. “It was not the most easy ball. I think it bounces just in front of him. And we as defenders could have helped him by following up maybe more.
“So he needs to learn from this, and we as a group we have to be there for each other and help each other.”
Yamal Stays Calm As France Test Looms
Lamine Yamal also responded to questions about his scoring record after Spain’s 2-1 win over Belgium set up a semi-final against France.
“Obviously I want to score, but I don’t go onto the pitch thinking about that. I do it thinking about helping the team,” said Yamal.
“If we win the World Cup, no one will remember whether I scored goals... the important thing is winning,” said the Barcelona star.
“I know I can contribute even if I don’t score. I know my movements draw in many opponents, so I do everything I can to help the team,” he said.
“There’s an idea that I should be scoring more, like at the Euros, but we won the Euros with me scoring just one goal. And I have one goal here too, so I’m relaxed about it,” he said, with a smile.
“There are two possibilities -- either they reach three consecutive World Cup finals, or we beat them three times in a row. We’ll see what happens,” said Yamal.
