MetLife Stadium pitch concerns grow as players and coaches criticize surface ahead of World Cup final

The condition of the pitch at MetLife Stadium has become a significant talking point at the 2026 World Cup. As the venue prepares to host the tournament's final on July 19, high-profile players and coaches have openly criticized the playing surface.

Brazil forward Vinicius Junior, who played at the stadium on June 13, described the field as difficult to play on, noting that the grass dries out quickly in the heat, which slows down the game. France midfielder Adrien Rabiot went further, questioning if the surface could even be called grass, describing it as hard, rigid, and similar to an artificial pitch. France head coach Didier Deschamps also expressed his dissatisfaction, labeling the surface as "special" in a critical manner.

FIFA has strongly defended the state of the pitches at all 16 World Cup venues. In a statement, the governing body insisted that the surfaces are in "excellent" condition from both a playability and safety perspective. FIFA officials added that variations in appearance do not necessarily reflect the quality or performance of the turf, noting that extensive research and testing have been invested in the project.

The maintenance crew faces a challenging schedule, with six more matches to be played at the stadium this summer. Workers are currently engaged in around-the-clock care, involving aeration, mowing, and precise irrigation to prevent the grass from deteriorating under the intense usage and weather conditions.

The pressure on the maintenance team is set to increase as the tournament progresses toward the July 19 final. Organizers have scheduled a two-week window after the Round of 16 match on July 5 to allow for final preparations, aiming to provide an optimal playing surface for the showpiece event.