2026 FIFA World Cup Final to Feature OSU Turfgrass Innovation
WHO:
News On 6 - Dr. Yanqi Wu, a Regents Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Oklahoma State University.
High Plains Journal - Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture.
High Plains Journal - Dr. Dennis Martin, OSU Extension and research turfgrass specialist.
WHAT:
News On 6 - The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on bermudagrass developed by Oklahoma State University researchers.
High Plains Journal - The final game will be played on Tahoma 31, a warm-season bermudagrass developed by OSU Agriculture researchers.
High Plains Journal - Of the 104 World Cup games, 28 were played on OSU-developed bermudagrass.
High Plains Journal - Tahoma 31 was graded by NFL players as their favorite grass to play on in the 2026 NFL Players Association report card.
WHERE:
News On 6 - The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
High Plains Journal - The 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted across North America in 16 cities.
High Plains Journal - Tahoma 31 has been used at the U.S. Capitol, the Olympics, and the PGA Championship.
WHEN:
High Plains Journal - The FIFA World Cup Final is scheduled for July 19, 2026.
WHY:
News On 6 - The OSU turfgrass program's global success is attributed to decades of research focused on improving turf quality, cold hardiness, and recovery after heavy use.
High Plains Journal - Tahoma 31 is popular due to its fine texture, dark color, drought and shade tolerance, high density, and cold hardiness.
HOW:
News On 6 - The breeding program for OSU's turfgrass started in 1986 after decades of grass research and genetic collection.
High Plains Journal - Tahoma 31's features are adaptable to many climates, making it suitable for various locations from coast-to-coast.
High Plains Journal - OSU researchers are developing new varieties of grass that require less water and can better withstand drought, such as Endarra 81, which will be available for homeowners to purchase next year.
(UPDATED July 15, 2026 11:24 UTC)
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026, and will be played on Tahoma 31, a warm-season bermudagrass developed by researchers at Oklahoma State University. Notably, of the 104 World Cup games, 28 were played on OSU-developed bermudagrass, which has been praised by NFL players as their favorite grass to play on. The success of OSU's turfgrass program stems from decades of research focused on improving turf quality and adaptability, with new varieties like Endarra 81 expected to be available for homeowners next year.