Bellingham rescues England in the World Cup

Lawn as a collector’s item

FIFA found a new way to capitalize on the most anticipated match. Now it is selling fragments of the playing field from the 2026 World Cup final, which will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Each piece costs $450.

The product is sold in the agency’s official store. Includes an acrylic block with a USB stick containing a certificate of authenticity. The description invites fans to “own an authentic piece of football history.”

Shipping is limited to addresses in the United States and Europe. They will start after the final. The initiative joins other commercial strategies that have generated controversy in this edition.

Tickets with record prices

Ticket costs have also been the focus of criticism. A conventional ticket for the final reaches $32,970. Hospitality packages, which include food and drinks, go up to $34,500.

FIFA’s decision to take advantage of every aspect of the event – ​​from the grass to the hydration breaks, where sponsor ads were inserted – reflects an unprecedented commercial strategy. For many fans, these prices are unaffordable and distance the sport from its popular base.

MLS continues adding European figures

It is no longer new: every season the MLS shakes up the market with the hiring of stars who shone in Europe. The economic power of the American league has attracted names such as David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. Everyone helped to grow the projection of the tournament.

Antoine Griezmann is the last to join. The 35-year-old Frenchman closed his time at Atlético de Madrid and will join the Orlando City project. The club managed to seduce the attacker.

But the MLS doesn’t stop there. In the last few hours the name of Mohamed Salah, former Liverpool figure, emerged as one of the main objectives. The Egyptian forward played in the World Cup with his national team and today is a free agent, which makes him a coveted piece.

Concrete interest in Salah

According to American media reports, Salah also has important suitors in Saudi Arabia. However, Sporting Kansas City remains attentive and is considering presenting an offer.

It is expected that in the coming days, once his rest after the World Cup is over, Salah and his entourage will define their next step.

Guillermo Ochoa, one of the most emblematic goalkeepers in Mexican soccer, published a message on Instagram that ignited reactions among followers and colleagues. The publication exceeded 300 thousand likes and accumulated more than two thousand comments in a few hours.

“The lights go out. The people leave. The grass remains the same. But there are nights that stay forever. Thank you for walking this path with me,” wrote the former captain of America.

The text aroused signs of affection from national football figures. Santiago Giménez, AC Milan forward, commented: “You stay forever.” Luis Chávez, midfielder, responded: “Thank you captain, maximum respect.” Andrés Guardado, another legend, also joined in: “You are very great brother. Thank you for everything.”

Speculation about his future is not new. Prior to the World Cup, FIFA released an interview in which Ochoa hinted that the tournament could be his farewell to professional soccer. With this new message, the clues about his retirement become clearer.

Ochoa, trained in the basic forces of America, has been a key member of the Mexican National Team in five World Cups. Although he has not officially confirmed anything, the tone of his post and the responses of his colleagues suggest that the end of an era is approaching.