Brazil star Vinicius Junior is among several players who have criticised the standard of pitches at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The surfaces, laid temporarily over American football stadiums, have drawn complaints for their hardness, dryness, and unpredictable bounce.
Why Are the Pitches Different?
Many host venues are American football stadiums originally built with artificial turf. FIFA requires natural grass, so organisers installed temporary sod over the existing surfaces. Despite expensive modifications, these makeshift pitches lack the foundational infrastructure of permanent football fields.
The grass is laid over hard bases like concrete, creating a rigid surface without natural cushioning. High summer temperatures dry out the turf quickly, preventing smooth ball movement.
Impact on Gameplay
The dry, thick grass creates friction that slows the ball, disrupting attacking rhythms. Coaches complain that passing sequences become scrappy physical battles. The combination of short grass fibres and a hard foundation causes inconsistent ball bounce, making control difficult.
France's Adrien Rabiot and Brazil's Vinicius Junior have openly criticised the unnatural feel. Some players compare the surface to artificial turf rather than natural grass.
Injury Risks
The lack of root depth and shock absorption increases the physical toll on players, raising the likelihood of impact injuries during the tournament.
