FIFA Now Makes Grass Science Central to World Cup Planning

The 2026 World Cup will rely on scientific pitch management across 16 venues spanning three countries. For the first time, FIFA has embedded turf expertise—the study of grass care and maintenance—directly into official tournament preparation, moving it from the sidelines. From Vancouver's cool weather to Mexico City's high altitude, grass scientists must solve dramatically different conditions. Whether the research survives tournament pressure remains to be seen.