Grass Innovations Spark Debate on Turf Standards in Sports

WHO:

CNN - John Trey Rogers, professor of turfgrass research at Michigan State University

CNN - John Sorochan, distinguished professor of turfgrass science and management at the University of Tennessee

CNN - Joe Wilkins III, general manager and owner of Green Valley Turf Co. in Platteville, Colorado

Fox News - Stu Holden, Fox Sports announcer

WHAT:

CNN - The World Cup will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 venues.

CNN - The World Cup begins on June 11 and lasts for six weeks.

CNN - Eight of the host stadiums are normally outfitted with artificial turf, while the rest have natural turfgrass.

CNN - Each pitch is 82,000 square feet, or nearly 2 acres, with about 9 acres grown to ensure quality.

Fox News - Seven NFL stadiums are installing grass fields for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

WHERE:

CNN - The World Cup will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

CNN - Specific cities mentioned include Toronto, Philadelphia, Mexico City, Miami, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta.

CNN - Grass for the Houston pitch was grown in Platteville, Colorado.

WHEN:

CNN - Research for the grass preparation began in late 2020.

CNN - Sod for Houston’s pitch was cut and harvested on May 25.

WHY:

CNN - FIFA mandates natural turf for top games to provide players with control and comfort.

CNN - The installation of grass in NFL stadiums is expected to spark conversation regarding turf fields in the league.

HOW:

CNN - Rogers and his team used three species of grass to devise the best type for each location.

CNN - Indoor stadiums will utilize irrigation systems and artificial grow lights to maintain grass health.

CNN - Sod was grown on a layer of plastic covered by gravel and sand to ensure quick growth and easy transport.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 19:35 UTC)

The upcoming World Cup will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the tournament kicking off on June 11 and lasting for six weeks. Notably, seven NFL stadiums are converting to grass fields for the event, as FIFA requires natural turf for top games to enhance player comfort and control, with grass for the Houston pitch grown in Platteville, Colorado. Experts like John Trey Rogers from Michigan State University and John Sorochan from the University of Tennessee have collaborated to select the best grass species for each location, ensuring optimal conditions with innovative growing techniques.