MetLife Stadium said Monday he would install a natural grass field for the 2026 World Cup after being designated as the final venue.
Stadium normally shelters a field who draws widespread criticism players. Injury issues were thrust into the spotlight when New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in the first week of the 2023 NFL season, sidelining him for the season.
THE 2022 World Cup regulations stated that “matches must be played on natural grass or, subject to a special dispensation granted by FIFA, on artificial surfaces.”
No artificial turf has ever been used in the men’s tournament. However, its use in Canadian stadiums during the 2015 women’s edition attracted widespread criticism and a trial of the players this was eventually abandoned.
Other host stadiums convert to grass
MetLife is not the only stadium that will need to install a natural grass field to meet FIFA requirements. Eight of the sixteen venues planned to host World Cup matches will have to switch from grass to turf.
Peter Tomozawa, Seattle CEO and chairman of the Seattle World Cup organizing committee, said turf will be installed at Lumen Field and is already being cultivated. according to KSL.
The installation of turf at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta will allow Atlanta United’s pre-World Cup matches to be played on turf instead of turf, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
FIFA has hired John Sorochan, professor of turf science and management in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Tennessee oversee the installation and management of courts for the tournament.
Social Media Reacts to MetLife Final
