FIFA Requires Natural Grass at All 16 World Cup Stadiums

FIFA required all 16 stadiums hosting World Cup matches across the U.S., Mexico and Canada to install playing surfaces that are mostly natural grass. The organization set strict standards for the fields to support ideal playing conditions. Years of research and millions of dollars funded the conversions.

Ten stadiums received cool-season grass mixes of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, while six received warm-season hybrid Bermuda grass. The blends resulted from five years of FIFA-sponsored studies at Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee.

Sod was grown on plastic sheets at farms across the three host countries to promote root spread. Specialized equipment cut the grass, which was then moved in refrigerated trucks and laid over sand and drainage systems. FIFA covered all costs. New York Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor said the change at MetLife Stadium, site of the World Cup final, produced a noticeable difference.

"I’m going into year 10, and I can say wholeheartedly that grass feels way better than turf," he said.

An NFL Players Association survey of more than 1,700 players found 92 percent prefer grass. The league and union maintain joint surface criteria under their collective bargaining agreement, according to NFL field director Nick Pappas. An NFLPA spokesperson said the temporary grass installations show that technology exists to convert every NFL stadium to natural grass.

Pappas countered that FIFA’s conditions differ from the multi-use schedule and climate demands faced by NFL venues year-round. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross purchased 80 acres in Palm Beach County to operate his own sod farm, allowing the team to control field quality and replace surfaces as needed.