The French and Brazilian stars are both unhappy with the playing surface at MetLife Stadium, but believe FIFA is obligated to host six more matches, including the World Cup final.
The pitch at MetLife Stadium is worrying (Image: Tnani Badreddine/Getty Images)
FIFA was forced to protect the pitch at MetLife Stadium after World Cup players publicly criticized the stadium’s conditions. The stadium, which was renamed New York-New Jersey Stadium for the tournament, has hosted two games so far and will host six more, including the final, despite concerns for the state.
Brazil drew 1-1 at the stadium on June 13, and three days later France defeated Senegal 3-1 at the same venue. After a six-day break, the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host a match between Norway and Senegal.
The match is an important one for Senegal, who lost in their opening Group I game and may not be happy to return to the same stadium given complaints about the patchy and dry nature of the playing surface.
Vinicius Junior complained after Brazil’s draw with Morocco: “Because of the weather and the heat, the grass dries quickly and the game is very slow. We can’t establish a rhythm.”
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France coach Didier Deschamps did his best to be diplomatic, smiling as he described the match as a “special surface” and “different”. “We need to get used to this,” he added. “There may be cement under the lawn. There are very short pieces of grass here. But we will adjust. This will make a difference, but we are taking these technical things into account.”
France midfielder Adrien Rabiot didn’t get into the cage that much. “The pitch…I don’t even know if you can call it that,” he said. “It was like an artificial pitch. It was hard and hard, but it’s the same for every team. We have to adapt to the situation. I hope we can find a better pitch for other games.”
MetLife will host six matches, including the final on July 19th, including Norway vs. Senegal. I am confident that FIFA will fulfill its mission.
Adrien Rabiot didn’t like the pitch at MetLife Stadium (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
“FIFA has invested over five years in meticulous collaborative research, testing and innovation, working closely with leading turf experts, stadium operators and football stakeholders to provide players with the best possible playing surface,” FIFA said in a statement to The Athletic.
“The pitches at all 16 stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain in excellent condition from a playability and player safety perspective. While there have been comments about the appearance of certain areas of the playing surface at NYNJ Stadium, FIFA’s turf management team has assessed that all pitches are healthy and performing as intended for elite competition.”
“Changes in the appearance of some surfaces, whether on TV or in person, do not necessarily reflect the quality, health or playability of the pitch.”
FIFA added: “FIFA’s pitch management team conducts extensive testing and monitoring before every match, including assessing moisture levels, hardness and overall playing conditions.
“Irrigation plans will be tailored to the specific requirements of each venue and match day situation, and surfaces will be continuously monitored throughout the tournament. Pitches will be irrigated before and during matches in accordance with established protocols and moisture levels will be closely monitored throughout the day.”
“FIFA remains focused on providing safe, stable and high-performance playing fields for athletes at all venues during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
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