FIFA Returns to UT for Final Pitch Management Research Field Day Ahead of World Cup 26
With soccer's biggest tournament set to begin in just 100 days, researchers and leaders from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted FIFA officials for the 2026 FIFA Pitch Management Research Field Day event to review progress toward preparing natural grass pitches for FIFA World Cup 26.
The field day, held in Knoxville Feb. 24-26, highlighted the collaborative work of UT, Michigan State University and FIFA to advance science-based recommendations for pitch management ahead of the tournament, which will take place in June and July across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"Each time we come to UT, we see how much momentum this research collaboration has created," said Alan Ferguson, FIFA senior pitch management manager. "UT and Michigan State have helped FIFA turn complex research into practical venue-ready guidance. With the tournament fast approaching, the progress we reviewed at this field day reinforces how valuable this collaboration has been in preparing natural grass pitches that can perform consistently across all host venues."
Turfgrass specialists, sod farmers, stadium managers and other professionals gathered to discuss final preparations including data-driven decisions around pitch testing, management, protection and aesthetics as well as stadium-specific setup considerations and lighting.
World-renowned turfgrass expert John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in UT's Herbert College of Agriculture, is leading the research collaboration.
"Reflecting on the FIFA project, I remain truly inspired and incredibly proud of how teams of experts from two great universities partnered with a shared commitment to excellence," he said. "Under significant pressure and global expectations, our teams rigorously tested, challenged assumptions and pursued innovation at every level. Together, we generated meaningful evidence-based insights that equip FIFA with the most current and trusted information available — helping deliver the safest, highest-quality pitches possible for FIFA World Cup 26."
Sorochan and Trey Rogers, professor of turfgrass research at MSU, along with their respective teams, updated attendees on coordinated research activities supporting pitch performance across all venues for FIFA World Cup 26. The delegation reflected on operational successes and knowledge gained from developing the optimal pitches for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition, which was held last year.
In her remarks to attendees, Chancellor Donde Plowman thanked FIFA for their trust in UT to deliver evidence-based research.
"We're thrilled to see this multiyear project come to life for the World Cup this summer and appreciate FIFA's confidence in UT to push research boundaries that will benefit athletes at every level for years to come," she said. "In just a few months, the world will watch some of the game's top athletes compete on the biggest stage, and it will be a stage we built together. I'm proud of what this collaboration will deliver — not only for sport but for impact that reaches far beyond it."
A first-of-its-kind research collaboration
Following the June 2022 announcement of the FIFA World Cup 26 host cities and stadiums, FIFA's pitch management team launched a five-year research and development initiative with UT and MSU to produce the best possible playing surfaces for the 16 venues — including five indoor stadiums — at different altitudes across three climatic zones and four time zones. The project's scope was later expanded to include the Club World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA Pitch Management Research Field Day marks the final such gathering before FIFA World Cup 2026.
UT hosted the first FIFA Pitch Research Field Day in April 2024, bringing together pitch managers from all 16 World Cup 2026 host stadiums and training sites along with representatives from FIFA member associations, confederations, leagues, clubs and industry suppliers. More than 200 turf specialists attended to discuss the project's challenges and opportunities.
The second field day was held in October 2024 at Michigan State, with more than 40 specialized pitch managers and industry leaders gathering to discuss best practices, industry innovations and pilot program results.
The third field day, held in Knoxville in April 2025, showcased findings about advancing pitch establishment technologies and developing the optimal system to construct natural pitch over synthetic turf. Attendees toured an indoor testing facility where researchers were working to determine best management practices and grow light requirements for domed stadiums. They also participated in a demonstration of the fLEX Device, which simulates the foot strike of an athlete performing an acceleration, deceleration or cutting motion.
During a February 2025 visit to UT's innovative turf research and development facility, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the groundbreaking research efforts led by Sorochan and thanked university leadership for their support of the project.
Provided by University of Tennessee at Knoxville
