KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Researchers at the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University are helping to develop the perfect turf to be used in stadiums across North America for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The World Cup will be staged in three countries, including the U.S., in 2026. More than 100 games will be played in 16 stadiums.
"The research looks at investigating the grasses that are going to go into the venues and the training fields for the World Cup," said John Sorochan, a distinguished professor of turfgrass science and management.
Sorochan said he hopes this project brings big changes to the world of turfgrass for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and beyond. He said sports fields are now becoming multi-use venues for things like sports, concerts and tractor pulls.
"We're looking at a way to have a temporary pitch, or temporary field that will you can have your games and you can maybe change over and have a concert and be right back to a game," said Sorochan.
Turfgrass science and management students at UT are also part of the research. Ivan Navarrete, who works with the department, said he lives and breathes soccer.
"I grew up playing soccer I play now I played it when I was little," said Navarrete. "When I don't play it, I'm watching it."
He said it's an honor to be working with FIFA again.
"I got the opportunity to work at the last one in Qatar, 2022, with the grounds crew at the Lusail Stadium," said Ivan Navarrete. "To do it again, it's just a dream come true. Again, it's like the stars aligned for me again."
A FIFA delegation visited UT in April.
