Engineering the World Cup Pitch: A Look at 2026's Turf Logistics

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:29:00 +0200

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents unique logistical challenges for its playing surfaces. With 26 stadiums, many with varying climates and light conditions, ensuring consistent quality and performance across all fields requires an innovative approach. Turf specialists are meticulously planning how to grow and transport specially engineered sod from farms across the country to the tournament venues. The process involves growing grass on plastic sheets, a technique that allows for intact removal and shipping, along with the incorporation of hybrid turfgrass systems using carpet systems to ensure stability and performance. The plan takes into account regional differences – warm-season grasses for open-air stadiums in Miami and cool-season grasses, which require less sunlight, for domed stadiums, even if they are located in warmer climates. Transportation will involve refrigerated trucks for some varieties, ensuring the grass arrives in pr