FIFA Defends World Cup Final Venue Choice After Player Complaints

FIFA have defended its decision to use the MetLife Stadium for the final of the 2026 World Cup following criticism from players about the playing condition.

The stadium, which has been rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament, has hosted two matches so far, with six more to come including the final.

Brazil played out a 1-1 draw against Morocco at the stadium on June 13 as France overcame Senegal 3-1 in the same venue three days later.

Senegal and Norway will face each other on the 23rd of June, but there are complaints about the patchy and dry nature of the playing surface.

“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.

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot was vocal about his observation. “The pitch was… I don’t know if I’d even call it that,” he said. “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.”

The New York New Jersey Stadium hosted France vs Senegal match. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Despite the players observation, FIFA has stand by its decision on the playing surface.

“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 said in a statement to The Athletic.

“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 in the appearance of some surfaces, whether on television or in person, do not necessarily reflect the quality, health or playability of the pitch.”

FIFA added: “FIFA’s pitch management teams undertake extensive testing and monitoring before every match, including assessments of moisture levels, firmness and overall playing conditions.

“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 remains on providing players with safe, consistent and high-performing playing surfaces across all venues throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026.”