The 2026 World Cup is set to take place in North America, featuring an expanded field and matches spread across 16 cities in three countries. To ensure top-notch playing surfaces for the tournament, FIFA has collaborated with turf experts from the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University.
With 48 teams playing 104 matches in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, FIFA aims to avoid the field issues that plagued a recent major tournament. The Copa América faced criticism for its shaky surfaces, prompting FIFA to prioritize research and preparation to prevent similar problems.
