USAIN/CBHL 2024 Biennial Meeting

The 2026 World Cup promises to be the grandest edition yet, as it will be co-hosted by three
countries for the first time in history: Canada, the United States of America, and Mexico. In
contrast to the usual 36 participating countries, 48 countries will participate in the 2026 World
Cup, resulting in 104 scheduled games, marking a significant increase from previous
tournaments. The 2026 World Cup spans across 16 host cities, stretching from the heights of
Mexico City's 9,500 feet elevation to the sea-level enclosure of Vancouver's indoor stadium –
which are 3,100 miles apart – presenting immense logistical challenges.

Aside from the 16 host stadiums, there will be 49 base camps and 178 practice fields. Adding to
the complexity, FIFA mandates that all games be played on natural grass surfaces. However,
eight out of the 16 stadiums feature artificial turf, with five of them being indoor stadiums. These
challenges underscore the need for uniformity and consistency across all venues.

Two universities – Michigan State University (MSU) and University of Tennessee (UT) – have
undertaken the task of finding solutions for the unique demands of the 2026 World Cup. The
primary research areas of emphasis include turfgrass establishment, stadium floor
construction/renovation, pitch installation, and turfgrass management. The collaborative efforts
between the universities have been extensive, with 86 research trials conducted since 2021.

Given that half of the stadiums (which includes the five domed stadiums) do not have natural
grass, it is crucial to address the issue of converting these artificial turf fields into natural grass
playing surfaces. To address this issue, the researchers are developing a temporary shallow turf
profile (STP) system that can be easily installed and removed after the tournament. The
development of the STP system utilizes the advancement of sports turfgrass research
throughout the years. Comprehensive testing and evaluations to optimize the components of the
STP system, including big roll sod grown on plastic, hybrid turf systems, portable drainage mats
and vacuum/ventilation systems, are being conducted. Additionally, a climate-controlled
greenhouse has been constructed to simulate the growing conditions of an indoor stadium.
Ongoing research in this facility focuses on artificial lighting and plant growth regulators.

The innovations resulting from this research project will have a broader impact not only
benefiting soccer but also extending to other sports, such as football. Beyond the technical
advancements, one of the most significant outcomes of this research collaboration is the
invaluable opportunity it provides for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in
turfgrass research at the highest level while actively contributing to the advancement of sports
turf science in preparation for the world's most prestigious soccer event.