A multidisciplinary team from Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee has dedicated half a decade to perfecting the playing surface that will host the 2026 World Cup, aiming to create the safest, most durable, and consistent grass for 16 stadiums and numerous training sites across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Their research focused on tailoring seed blends to each host city’s climate, optimizing growth conditions, and ensuring that the turf could thrive even under artificial lighting, using shade structures to replicate the dim environment of domed stadiums.
To evaluate how different surfaces respond to the dynamic forces of the game, the scientists built a custom apparatus that simulates a soccer cleat striking natural grass, allowing precise measurement of ball roll, player impact, and surface stability.
The resulting sod incorporates a lattice of plastic fibers for extra stability, while a layered substrate of sand, gravel, and a ventilated drainage system promotes strong root development and enables the turf to be transported over long distances without losing performance characteristics.
Engineering Consistency
John Sorochan and Kyley Dickson, together with colleagues Heimo Schirgi, Alan Ferguson, Becky Bowling, and John “Trey” Rogers III, designed the Flex machine that now serves as the benchmark for evaluating turf performance. When the tournament begins, fans will witness a surface that has been meticulously calibrated for uniformity, delivering a level playing field for every nation.