The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which is slated to host the World Cup final, has come under fire for its playing surface following the initial matches of the tournament. Players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the turf, describing it as dry and hard, which has affected the pace and flow of the games.

Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior commented on the conditions, stating that the dry grass has slowed down the game, making it difficult to maintain rhythm. French midfielder Adrien Rabiot went further, questioning whether the field could even be considered a proper grass pitch. His sentiments were echoed by Norwegian coach Stale Solbakken, who noted after a routine pre-match inspection that the short and firm grass felt almost artificial. Solbakken expressed hope for rain to soften the surface but clarified that this should not excuse any poor performance.

Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby agreed with Solbakken's assessment but added that his teammates might adapt better than others, as many have experience playing on artificial surfaces back home. This criticism adds to a growing list of complaints from various players and coaches regarding the MetLife turf. After Brazil's draw with Morocco, Vinicius highlighted how the hot weather contributed to the rapid drying of the grass, disrupting their ability to move the ball effectively.

Following France's 3-1 victory over Senegal, coach Didier Deschamps described the field as 'special' and different from what players typically encounter, jokingly suggesting that there might be concrete beneath the grass due to its hardness. FIFA has invested significant resources into preparing the MetLife surface for the World Cup, with the installation process beginning in early May, well ahead of the Club World Cup preparations.

The current grass was transported from a farm in North Carolina, requiring 27 trucks for the journey. Initially, FIFA planned to source grass closer to New Jersey, but adverse weather conditions forced a change. Beneath the grass lies a complex technical system designed for irrigation, aeration, and vacuuming to maintain quality in New York-New Jersey's unpredictable weather. However, this technology may contribute to the perception of a harder playing surface.

Maintenance at MetLife is nearly continuous, with staff immediately inspecting the field after each match. They utilize specialized rakes, aerators, mowers, and measuring devices to assess the turf's condition. Even during halftime, maintenance crews are active, repairing damaged areas and watering the grass to prevent it from drying out. Despite the criticisms, FIFA insists that all 16 venues for the 2026 World Cup are in 'excellent' condition for play and safety.

Discrepancies in color or visible patches on television do not accurately reflect the actual quality of the turf. The grass management team constantly monitors moisture levels, hardness, and technical specifications before, during, and after each game. This ongoing debate about the playing surface is not unprecedented; during the Club World Cup 2025, similar complaints were raised by coaches of Porto and Palmeiras regarding the MetLife turf.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on MetLife, which is set to host six more matches before the World Cup final on July 19. The stadium management has scheduled a two-week break between the last round of 16 match and the final to allow the grass to recover.