Grass Installation Begins at MetLife Stadium Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Workers have officially begun installing the natural grass field at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.MetLife Stadium will host eight matches during the tournament, including the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026.FIFA is using two different types of grass surfaces across the 11 U.S., three Mexican, and two Canadian host venues for the expanded 48-team, 104-match tournament, which begins on June 12, 2026.

Grass Types by Venue:

Bermuda Grass (warm-season venues):

East Rutherford (MetLife), Guadalajara, Kansas City, Miami Gardens, Monterrey, and Santa Clara.

Perennial Rye mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass (cool-season and indoor venues):

Arlington, Atlanta, Foxborough, Houston, Inglewood, Mexico City, Philadelphia, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver.

The grass for all stadiums and training sites was grown and harvested over the past 10 months at 10 specialized turf farms across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.At MetLife Stadium — which normally features artificial turf for NFL games — installation of approximately 600 rolls of Bermuda grass grown in North Carolina began on Wednesday.

The process is expected to be completed by late Thursday. The installation includes layers of sand, Permavoid (a permeable system), vacuum ventilation, and additional sand before the grass is laid. Artificial stitching is being used to connect the rolls seamlessly.

To accommodate a full-size FIFA regulation pitch (75 by 115 yards / 68 by 105 meters), 1,740 seats in the corner sections of the stadium were removed to allow space for the field and corner kick run-ups.

FIFA Senior Pitch Manager David Graham said the installation was proceeding according to plan despite a minor weather delay, with multiple trucks delivering materials around the clock. 



________