The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for the North American continent. With just two years to go for football’s biggest event, the global governing body has announced the stadiums hosting the different matches that will hold the new and upgraded World Cup Format. A total of 48 teams will be vying for a spot in the biggest match in football – the final – which will be held at the MetLife Stadium.
The stadium is based in New York and is shared by two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Out of all the amazing stadiums the USA has to offer, one might wonder why FIFA chose MetLife to host the grand finale. It becomes especially perplexing once the dark truth of the stadium is factored in.
MetLife Stadium boasts an artificial Turf
It is extremely rare for a top-level football team to play in a stadium that is primarily made out of natural glass. The official Bundesliga website: “DFL rules dictate that a pitch must be “made of natural grass, be absolutely flat, in good condition and playable for the entire season.”
They go on to continue and state the directives of what is permissible in case pure grass pitches aren’t possible, “an artificial playing surface is also allowed, as well as a hybrid system of artificial and natural materials.”
In contrast, the MetLife boasts an artificial turf, which is not something the footballers would be accustomed to. However, amidst multiple reports, it is expected that the stadium will be changing its turf to incorporate a better and more natural pitch to ensure the players’ safety. This is especially crucial as the Stadium witnessed one of the most horrific injuries within 10 minutes of the NFL 2023 kick-off.
Aaron Rodgers Injury and FIFA’s declaration forces change
NFL Legend and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles 10 minutes into his debut with the Jets. He was involved in a difficult mix-up which ultimately left him clutching his leg and ruled out for the rest of the NFL season. This is in a sport where only 50% of the players are in constant motion, running up and down the pitch and covering ground.
But if the artificial pitch were to remain for the FIFA World Cup, it would be far more difficult and riskier for the players. Since such a turf would only invite more injuries especially since football is much more mobile for almost every position on the pitch.
The alleged update and expected change of turf will relieve almost every national team and footballer. Since if it were left unchecked, it would raise quite the criticism from everyone concerned towards the stadium, the hosts as well as FIFA with regards to their inability to ignore a potential catalyst.
The USA and Mexico are set to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 across 16 different locations including Kansas City, Boston, and Mexico City, among others. The fans travelling from abroad and within the country will get to experience a unique and mesmerizing spectacle unfolding in the summer 2 years from now.