The United States has faced criticism regarding the quality of soccer fields during major international tournaments. During the 2024 Copa América, Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martínez described the field at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium as problematic. Concerns about the quality of grass have led to speculation that turf conditions may affect the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. FIFA has begun collaborating with grass researchers to improve the quality of playing surfaces in American stadiums, which are primarily designed for American football and often use artificial turf.
Differences in grass length and quality can significantly impact gameplay. For example, improper turf conditions can lead to player injuries and affect the pace of the game. In contrast to stadiums in countries with a strong soccer tradition, many U.S. stadiums are multi-purpose venues that do not prioritize soccer-specific grass maintenance. As a result, groundskeepers have limited time to prepare the fields for the World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 40 additional games across 16 stadiums in various climate zones, presenting unique challenges for grass maintenance. American groundskeepers typically use a method called sod-on-plastic, which has faced issues with establishing strong roots. FIFA has partnered with research labs to enhance this method for the tournament. Innovations include using a blend of grass types to improve strength and stability, as well as installing grow lights and bespoke irrigation systems in stadiums.
Retrofitting stadiums for natural turf has proven costly, with significant expenses incurred to meet FIFA's standards. After the tournament, most cities plan to remove the new grass, although some may attempt to repurpose it for public use. The success of the grass scientists will be measured by the quality of the playing surface during the tournament and the lasting impressions it leaves.
