Turfgrass specialists, sod farmers, stadium managers and other professionals gathered to discuss final preparations including data-driven decisions around pitch testing, management, protection and aesthetics as well as stadium-specific setup considerations and lighting.
The FIFA World Cup 26 pitch management team launched a five-year research and development project with UT and Michigan State University. The initiative — now expanded to include the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup — aims to produce perfect playing surfaces, ensuring consistency and top performance for players regardless of climate or stadium type.
Researchers and leaders from UT, Michigan State University and FIFA gathered to review progress toward creating the optimal natural grass pitches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Infantino praised the efforts led by industry-leading expert John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture, and thanked university leadership for their support in bringing the project to fruition.
UT researchers and leadership met with FIFA officials to review progress toward developing the perfect natural grass pitches for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The FIFA World Cup Tournament 26™ poses unique challenges for the delivery of uniform and consistent natural grass pitches.