News Summary
FIFA has extended its partnership with the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University to conduct turf research in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. The collaboration aims to improve pitch quality and player safety, utilizing advanced facilities and a significant budget to investigate optimal grass species and turf conditions across various climates. The research will support not only major soccer events but also local recreational fields, establishing a lasting legacy in turf development.
Knoxville, TN – FIFA has announced its continued partnership with the University of Tennessee (UT) at Knoxville and Michigan State University (MSU) to conduct groundbreaking turf research as preparations move forward for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collaboration aims to enhance pitch quality and ensure player safety during the upcoming tournaments, starting with the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14, 2025.
The 2026 World Cup will take place across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, beginning on June 11 and featuring a total of 104 games. According to FIFA, the research conducted by UT and MSU will set the standard for turf quality at these major events. FIFA’s senior pitch management manager, Alan Ferguson, has indicated a desire to extend this collaboration beyond 2026, owing to the success experienced thus far.
UT and MSU’s research focuses on developing a uniform quality of pitch that can adapt to various climates, elevations, and sun exposures present in the different host cities. This initiative will involve sod farmers cultivating turf across the nation to support the event, with about 30 trucks anticipated for transportation of the sod to participating stadiums.
The ongoing turf research includes the construction of advanced facilities at UT and MSU. UT has established a state-of-the-art shade house at its East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center designed to replicate conditions found in domed stadiums. Meanwhile, MSU has developed a 23,000 square foot asphalt pad aimed at simulating the conditions of laying turf on stadium floors. These facilities will allow researchers to study the performance of various grass species, including Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, to determine the most suitable varieties for different weather conditions.
The partnership between UT and MSU is supported by a budget of approximately $3.13 million, which will primarily cover salaries, materials, and essential research activities at both institutions. This research not only has implications for major professional soccer matches but is also expected to benefit local parks and recreational fields, leaving a lasting legacy for turf development.
Recently, researchers, turf managers, and stadium representatives convened in Knoxville for a FIFA Pitch Research Field Day, showcasing the innovations and advancements made by both universities. John Sorochan, a distinguished professor at UT who was also involved in pitch research for the 1994 World Cup, is leading the current project and continuing the fruitful partnership established nearly three decades ago.
The FIFA Club World Cup is set to feature a total of 63 matchups, with locations including Atlanta, Nashville, and Los Angeles. FIFA emphasizes the significance of pitch quality and player performance, as these factors not only influence the outcome of games but also carry potential financial implications for players participating in these high-stakes events.
In summary, FIFA’s collaboration with UT Knoxville and Michigan State University serves as a crucial preparation step for the upcoming international soccer tournaments. The research aims to provide a vital foundation for pitch quality that will support players’ safety and performance, ensuring a successful experience for teams and fans alike during the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: FIFA Continues Turf Research Collaboration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Turf Research
- New York Times: Tennessee Football News
- Google Search: 2026 World Cup Turf Research
- Sportico: FIFA World Cup Turf Research
- Google News: FIFA Turf Research
