John Sorochan, a Canadian turfgrass expert, played a pivotal role in developing the playing surfaces for all 16 stadiums hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026. The meticulous research and testing conducted by Sorochan and his team were aimed at ensuring top-notch quality and performance across the tournament venues.
Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach praised the high-quality grass pitch in Vancouver after a game against Turkey. Sorochan, a distinguished professor at the University of Tennessee, led the installation and maintenance of the turf for the World Cup stadiums located in three countries.
Sorochan collaborated with FIFA’s senior pitch manager, Alan Ferguson, to undertake the challenging task of preparing the fields for the tournament. The project, which spanned five years and involved partnerships with Michigan State University, focused on perfecting the grass to match FIFA standards.
Extensive testing was carried out to analyze the ball’s behavior on the turf, including its bounce height and interaction with players. Various machines and technologies were utilized to assess the turf’s suitability for the diverse stadium environments, ensuring consistent playing conditions for teams moving between locations.
Each stadium’s unique requirements were catered to, with different grass types and maintenance protocols tailored to indoor and outdoor venues. The goal was to maintain uniformity in playing surfaces despite the varying grass compositions and conditions across the tournament locations.
Following the meticulous preparation phase, the responsibility of managing the turf now rests with individual stadium teams equipped with specialized tools and techniques. Sorochan’s dedication to delivering top-notch playing surfaces has garnered praise from players, with many expressing satisfaction with the quality of the fields during the World Cup matches.