Researchers and leaders from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recently hosted FIFA officials for the 2026 FIFA Pitch Management Research Field Day. The event took place in Knoxville from February 24 to 26 and focused on preparations for natural grass pitches ahead of FIFA World Cup 26, which will be held in June and July across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The collaboration involves UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture, Michigan State University (MSU), and FIFA. Their joint efforts are aimed at providing science-based recommendations for managing tournament pitches. The field day brought together turfgrass specialists, sod farmers, stadium managers, and other professionals to discuss data-driven approaches to pitch testing, management, protection, aesthetics, as well as considerations specific to each stadium.
Alan Ferguson, FIFA senior pitch management manager said: “Each time we come to UT, we see how much momentum this research collaboration has created. UT and Michigan State have helped FIFA turn complex research into practical venue-ready guidance. With the tournament fast approaching, the progress we reviewed at this field day reinforces how valuable this collaboration has been in preparing natural grass pitches that can perform consistently across all host venues.”
John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management at UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture is leading the research effort. He stated: “Reflecting on the FIFA project, I remain truly inspired and incredibly proud of how teams of experts from two great universities partnered with a shared commitment to excellence. Under significant pressure and global expectations, our teams rigorously tested, challenged assumptions and pursued innovation at every level. Together, we generated meaningful evidence-based insights that equip FIFA with the most current and trusted information available — helping deliver the safest, highest-quality pitches possible for FIFA World Cup 26.”
Sorochan along with Trey Rogers—professor of turfgrass research at MSU—and their teams updated attendees on ongoing research activities supporting pitch performance across all venues for the upcoming World Cup. The group also discussed lessons learned from developing pitches for last year’s inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition.
Further information is available in the UT Knoxville news article.
