Following the initial matches at MetLife in East Rutherford, New Jersey, numerous complaints about the pitch quality have emerged. Brazil forward Vinicius Junior described the surface as dry, hindering game flow and tempo. France midfielder Adrien Rabiot went further, questioning whether it could even be called a proper grass field.

Midfielder Pape Gueye (26) challenges Adrien Rabiot (14) during the France versus Senegal match in Group I of the 2026 World Cup, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (USA), on 16/6. Photo: AP

The latest criticisms came from Norway coach Stale Solbakken before his team's match against Senegal in Group I. After a routine pre-match pitch inspection, the 58-year-old coach noted the grass was short and hard, creating a sensation similar to artificial turf. He expressed hope for rain to soften the surface but clarified that this would not be an excuse for match results.

Midfielder Morten Thorsby echoed Solbakken's assessment. However, he suggested that Norwegian players might adapt better than some opponents, as many grew up playing regularly on artificial pitches in their home country.

The comments from Norway add to a growing list of players and coaches who have expressed dissatisfaction with the MetLife pitch. After a draw against Morocco in their opening match, Vinicius attributed the dry grass to hot weather. "We want to move the ball from wing to wing, but the pitch conditions disrupt the rhythm of play," Vinicius said.

Three days later, when France defeated Senegal 3-1 on the same field, coach Didier Deschamps also called the pitch "special" and different from typical surfaces. "There might even be cement under the grass," Deschamps remarked, half-jokingly, regarding the pitch's hardness.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro (left) challenges Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco during a 1-1 draw in Group C of the 2026 World Cup at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on 13/6. Casemiro received a yellow card and was substituted after the first half. Photo: AP

FIFA has invested significantly in the maintenance of MetLife's pitch. According to the organizing committee, the installation process for the 2026 World Cup pitch began in early May, considerably earlier than the preparations for the 2025 Club World Cup.

The current grass was transported from a farm in North Carolina by 27 trucks on an approximately 12-hour journey. FIFA had initially planned to use a closer grass source in New Jersey, but severe weather conditions necessitated a change in plans.

Beneath the grass lies a complex technical system that includes irrigation, ventilation, and vacuum capabilities, all designed to maintain the pitch quality in the New York - New Jersey region's erratic weather conditions.

However, these technologies also contribute to many players perceiving the pitch as harder than normal. The grass is cut quite short, and the underlying base is highly stable, creating a different feel compared to traditional natural grass pitches in Europe.

Maintenance work at MetLife is also almost continuous. After each match, dozens of staff immediately flood the field to inspect every area. They use specialized rakes, aerators, mowers, and measurement devices to assess the pitch's condition.

Even during halftime, the maintenance crew remains active. Staff repair damaged spots, collect dead grass, and water the field to mitigate dryness.

Despite the criticisms, FIFA maintains that all 16 pitches for the 2026 World Cup are in "excellent" condition regarding both playability and player safety. They assert that visual differences in color or certain patches of grass seen on television do not accurately reflect the actual quality of the pitch. The pitch management team consistently monitors moisture, hardness, and other technical parameters before, during, and after each match.

However, these current controversies are not new. At the 2025 Club World Cup, also held at MetLife Stadium, coaches from Porto and Palmeiras previously complained about the pitch quality after their initial matches.

Consequently, all developments at MetLife over the coming weeks will be closely watched. The stadium is scheduled to host six more matches before it stages the World Cup final on 19/7. The stadium management has proactively scheduled a two-week break between the last round of 16 match and the final to allow the pitch sufficient time to recover.

Compiled by Hoang An