Deschamps criticizes MetLife Stadium pitch ahead of 2026 World Cup final
Following France's match against Senegal, Didier Deschamps expressed concerns over the pitch quality at MetLife Stadium, the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.
Didier Deschamps discute avec Guy Stéphan, son adjoint. (P. Lahalle/L'Équipe)
France manager Didier Deschamps voiced his concerns regarding the pitch at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford following his team's 3-1 victory over Senegal. The venue is scheduled to host the final of the 2026 World Cup, but the French coach believes the surface falls short of European standards.
It is different. You have to get used to it. The fact that there is a concrete slab underneath means the grass fibers are very short. The bounce is different, and the pitch changes depending on how it is watered. Didier Deschamps
Deschamps explained that the lack of soil depth meant players could not use standard studs, complicating their movement. Because FIFA regulations prohibit training at competition stadiums ahead of matches, teams have limited opportunity to adapt to these specific conditions before they play, a situation the coach described as complex.