Fresh off the record-breaking sale of the late Jim Irsay’s memorabilia collection, Christie’s is planning a sale centered around another topic with broad popular appeal: the World Cup.
The house announced an online charity auction tied to the tournament that will include game-used match balls, team-signed jerseys, and costumes worn by performers including Shakira and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
The sale, called “One Goal: An Auction to Benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,” runs July 22 through July 29. It comes just weeks after Christie’s wrapped the five-part Irsay series, which brought in more than $105 million and became the largest memorabilia auction series ever held. The final installment, “Icons of History,” totaled $10.9 million, with 55 percent of bidders and buyers new to Christie’s.
That figure helps explain why the house is returning so quickly to memorabilia. These sales can reach people who may never have considered bidding at Christie’s before, then bring them into the company through an object with an immediate personal connection.
The World Cup auction includes the ball used in the tournament’s opening match at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca; the ball from the final; signed jerseys from Lionel Messi, Santiago Giménez and the US men’s national team; and outfits connected to the tournament’s first halftime show. Shakira’s costume from the video for “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup, is also among the lots.
Every lot will open at $100 and will be offered without reserve. Proceeds will benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which hopes to raise $100 million to expand access to education and sports programs for children in underserved communities.
The timing gives Christie’s a ready-made global audience. The 2026 World Cup is the largest edition of the tournament yet, with 48 teams, 104 matches and three host countries. The semi-finals begin Tuesday with Spain playing France in Dallas, following by England versus Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta. After the Irsay sales showed how effectively memorabilia can attract new clients, the World Cup gives Christie’s another chance to reach well beyond the usual auction crowd.
