FIFA have reportedly defended the pitch at MetLife Stadium after players at the World Cup publicly criticised its condition.
Despite worries about its state, the stadium—which has been renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament—has already hosted two games and will host six more, including the final.
France defeated Senegal 3-1 there three days after Brazil’s 1-1 draw at the stadium on June 13. The stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host Norway vs Senegal following a six-day break.
Senegal may not be happy to return the same dry condition of the playing surface, and it is an important game for them following their loss in the Group I opener.
“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,” Vinicius Junior complained following Brazil’s draw with Morocco.
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France manager Didier Deschamps did his best to be diplomatic, describing it as “a special surface” and “different” with a smile on his face.
“We need to get used to this,” he added. “There might be some cement below the grass. You have very short shards of grass here.
“But we do adjust. This does create a change, but we take these technicalities into account.”
MetLife will host six games, including Norway vs. Senegal and the final on July 19. FIFA believe it can handle the challenge.
FIFA’s Statement
“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,” FIFA said in a statement to The Athletic.
“The pitches at all 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums remain in excellent condition from both a playability and player safety perspective.
“While there have been comments regarding the visual appearance of certain areas of the playing surface at NYNJ Stadium, FIFA’s turf management team’s assessment is that every pitch is healthy and performing as intended for elite competition.”
