FIFA has issued a statement defending the pitch at MetLife Stadium, rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the 2026 World Cup, after players from Brazil and France publicly criticised its condition. The stadium has hosted two matches so far, with six more to come, including the final on July 19.
Player Complaints
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco at the venue on June 13, and France defeated Senegal 3-1 there three days later. Brazil forward Vinicius Junior complained after the Morocco match: “Because of the weather and the heat, the grass dries out quickly and the game ends up being very slow. We can’t build up a rhythm.”
France manager Didier Deschamps was diplomatic, describing the pitch as “a special surface” and “different” with a smile. “We need to get used to this. There might be some cement below the grass. You have very short shards of grass here. But we do adjust.”
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot was more blunt: “The pitch was… I don’t know if I’d even call it that. It seemed more like an artificial pitch. It was hard and rigid, but it’s like that for every team. You need to adapt to the conditions. I hope we find better pitches in our other games.”
FIFA’s Response
In a statement to The Athletic, FIFA said: “FIFA has invested more than five years in meticulous and collaborative research, testing and innovation, working closely with leading turf experts, stadium operators and football stakeholders, to deliver the best possible playing surfaces for players. The pitches at all 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums remain in excellent condition from both a playability and player safety perspective.”
FIFA acknowledged comments about the visual appearance but insisted the pitch is healthy. “Variations in the appearance of some surfaces, whether on television or in person, do not necessarily reflect the quality, health or playability of the pitch.”
Ongoing Monitoring
FIFA added that its turf management teams conduct extensive testing and monitoring before every match, including moisture levels, firmness, and overall playing conditions. Irrigation plans are tailored to each venue, and surfaces are continuously monitored throughout the tournament. “FIFA’s focus remains on providing players with safe, consistent and high-performing playing surfaces across all venues throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host Norway vs Senegal on June 22, followed by four more group matches and the final. Despite the complaints, FIFA is confident the pitch can handle the remaining schedule.
