Preparing for Major Tournaments: The Challenges of Hosting Soccer Events in the U.S.

When the United States hosted the Copa América last summer, which featured some of the best national teams from North and South America, expectations were high. This prestigious tournament served as a prelude to the main event—the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with Mexico and Canada. However, instead of building excitement, the Copa América raised significant concerns about the quality of playing surfaces in the U.S., resulting in questions about the nation’s readiness for the upcoming global stage.

Pitch Problems: A Troubling Legacy

Players took to the field only to find "disaster" pitches that prompted an uproar over inadequate playing conditions. The Argentine national team, in particular, was vocal about their dissatisfaction, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez describing the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as "bumpy" and "a disaster." Such remarks were echoed by other athletes who struggled with uneven surfaces.

The grass installations used for the Copa América often involved temporary solutions like grass overlays installed atop artificial turf. These overlays, while visually appealing, had seams and inconsistencies that resulted in complaints from players. Moreover, the timing of these installations varied drastically; while some fields received their new grass weeks in advance, others were completed mere days before matches, creating an uneven playing field.

FIFA’s Response: Learning from the Past

In light of the criticism from Copa América, FIFA is taking a different approach for both the Club World Cup in 2025 and the World Cup in 2026. Historically, FIFA has never allowed games to be played on artificial surfaces during the World Cup, and after the events of last summer, the organization is determined to ensure that the playing conditions meet the highest standards.

Alan Ferguson, FIFA’s senior pitch manager, emphasized the need for new strategies in the U.S., particularly given the unique challenges of using NFL stadiums primarily designed for artificial turf. Rather than following the path laid out during Copa América, FIFA is opting to install dedicated natural grass fields that will remain for the duration of both upcoming tournaments.

Innovations in Grass Technology

One innovative strategy involves the development of "shallow pitches," which replace synthetic bases entirely. These pitches consist of a hybrid of natural and artificial grass cut into strips and assembled over an air and moisture-permeable drainage layer, allowing for optimal playing conditions without the need for ongoing replacements. This method promises to provide the feel and quality of natural grass while overcoming the limitations of temporary overlays.

FIFA initiated testing for these shallow pitches during recent Nations League matches, allowing players to adjust to the new surfaces well in advance of the World Cup. The feedback from players has been mixed; some have remarked that while the grass feels heavier, it is a surface they can adapt to with time.

Venues: A Balancing Act

Five of the venues that will host both the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup—including Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium—are particularly challenging. These NFL arenas must navigate the complexities of artificial turf and roofs that limit sunlight for natural grass growth, making early installation all the more vital to avoid the pitfalls seen during Copa América.

Given the severity of complaints about these fields, FIFA is ramping up its efforts to ensure that the installations meet stringent quality standards. The variance in pitch treatment during Copa América highlighted the need for consistent quality control across venues, something FIFA is determined to uphold moving forward.

New Grounds for Collaboration

This shift in strategy means closer collaboration between FIFA, local organizations, and stadium management teams to tailor each pitch installation to its specific venue. By analyzing player feedback and performance, FIFA aims to fine-tune each playing surface for optimal results during the tournaments.

As the world anticipates high-stakes matches featuring top clubs and players, the pressure is on to deliver not just event attendance and fan experience but to also ensure a quality playing environment that meets the expectations of athletes competing on a world stage.

By addressing past missteps and pushing forward with innovative solutions, FIFA and the host cities are poised to create memorable and high-quality soccer experiences in the upcoming tournaments. The journey to ensuring this vision becomes a reality is as dynamic and challenging as the games themselves.