By
Conor Knighton
July 19, 2026 / 9:27 AM EDT
/ CBS News
Add CBS News on Google
FIFA rules state that World Cup matches must be played on natural grass. For this year's tournament, scientifically-engineered sod (that can withstand playing conditions and differing climates) was deployed in stadiums with artificial turf.
By
Conor Knighton
July 19, 2026 / 9:27 AM EDT
/ CBS News
Add CBS News on Google

2026 FIFA World Cup Has NFL Players Pushing For Natural Grass Fields

Rodeo delays, refrigerated turf and lots of lorries: Why preparing a World Cup pitch is so tough

What to know about the 2030 World Cup: The 100th anniversary

Why are NFL players posting '#WorthTheCost'? FIFA World Cup reignites push for natural grass in place of turfs

World Cup grounds crews are preparing immaculate grass pitches for the upcoming tournament. They are converting artificial turf…

FIFA is building temporary natural-grass fields meant to play consistently across 16 stadiums in three countries

Ahead of the largest World Cup in history, researchers spent years testing grasses and stadium conditions to create consistent…

Researchers have spent years perfecting the natural grass turf that will be used in 16 stadiums across North America for the 2026…

FIFA is spending over $5 million and eight years of research to ensure all 16 World Cup 2026 stadiums have identical…

cientists spent five years designing World Cup 2026 playing surfaces so fields in Miami, Mexico City and Vancouver would perform…