FIFA backs controversial World Cup venue after France and Brazil stars raise concerns

FIFA has stepped in to defend the turf high quality at MetLife Stadium following open criticism from gamers competing on the World Cup. The venue, rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the match, has already hosted two video games, with six extra scheduled, together with the ultimate, regardless of ongoing concerns regarding its condition.

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Brazil secured a 1-1 draw on the facility on June 13 earlier than France defeated Senegal 3-1 on the similar location three days later. Following a six-day interval, the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is scheduled to stage Norway‘s sport in opposition to Senegal.

It represents a pivotal sport for Senegal following their opening Group I setback, and they will not be thrilled to return to the venue, given grievances concerning the inconsistent and patchy nature of the taking part in floor, as per The Mirror.

“Because of the weather and the heat, the grass dries out quickly and the game ends up being very slow. We can’t build up a rhythm,” Vinicius Junior complained after Brazil’s draw with Morocco.

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France supervisor Didier Deschamps tried to stay tactful, characterizing it as “a special surface” and “different” with a smile on his face. “We need to get used to this,” he added. “There might be some cement below the grass. You have very short shards of grass here. But we do adjust. This does create a change, but we take these technicalities into account.”

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot was much less saved in his evaluation. “The pitch was… I don’t know if I’d even call it that,” he stated. “It seemed more like an artificial pitch. It was hard and rigid, but it’s like that for every team. You need to adapt to the conditions. I hope we find better pitches in our other games.”

MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host six video games, together with Norway vs Senegal and the ultimate on July 19. FIFA stays assured the venue is greater than able to assembly the calls for of the match.

“FIFA has invested more than five years in meticulous and collaborative research, testing and innovation, working closely with leading turf experts, stadium operators and football stakeholders, to deliver the best possible playing surfaces for players,” FIFA stated in an announcement to TheAthletic.

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“The pitches at all 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums remain in excellent condition from both a playability and player safety perspective. While there have been comments regarding the visual appearance of certain areas of the playing surface at NYNJ Stadium, FIFA’s turf management team’s assessment is that every pitch is healthy and performing as intended for elite competition.

“Variations within the look of some surfaces, whether or not on tv or in particular person, don’t essentially replicate the standard, well being or playability of the pitch.”

FIFA added: “FIFA’s pitch administration groups undertake in depth testing and monitoring earlier than each match, together with assessments of moisture ranges, firmness and general situations taking part in.

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“Irrigation plans are tailored to the specific requirements of each venue and matchday conditions, and surfaces are continuously monitored throughout the tournament. Pitches are irrigated in line with established protocols before and during matches, with moisture levels closely monitored throughout the day.

“FIFA’s focus stays on offering gamers with secure, constant and high-performing taking part in surfaces throughout all venues all through the FIFA World Cup 2026.”