Researchers work to grow grass that will offer the same level playing field for athletes at the various soccer venues that will be used during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Michigan State University lead research associate Ryan Bearss and students drop soccer balls on several experimental patches of turf to determine whether their bounce meets regulation height.The United States, Mexico and Canada will host the 2026 World Cup holding games in 16 cities.
Researchers grow the sod for the games on plastic lining and it is placed over a white weaved geotextile made with cotton that helps with drainage.“The sod would grow into this box, and then we would move it inside, but it was well-rooted,” he said. “All it had to do was survive that period of time, in those games,” he said."I've been thinking about this for 30 years, but we didn't have anybody with the funding to push it forward,” he said.
Since 2021, there have been more than 70 experiments from Sorochan and Rogers’ teams from researching different ways to remove dead grass from the field to finding the best method to incorporate synthetic fibers into the natural turf to make it last longer. This detailed measuring can also be used in the future to better understand ways to use stadiums not built specifically for soccer games.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mauricio Pochettino named USMNT coach through 2026 World CupThe 52-year-old former Tottenham and Chelsea manager, who had been in negotiations to take the job since mid-August, becomes the 10th U.S. coach in 14 years. The Argentine is the squad’s first fore…
Read more »
Can Mauricio Pochettino fix the USMNT before the 2026 World Cup?Kevin Paredes scored a brace to help the U.S. men's soccer team secure a spot in the quarterfinals after a 3-0 win against Guinea in the team's last group stage match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Read more »
US Soccer execs talk Mauricio Pochettino hiring with eyes on 2026 World CupFor many, Mauricio Pochettino's hiring as the new head coach of the United States men's national team (USMNT) was a long-needed change at the wheel ahead of
Read more »
The 16 Stadiums Hosting the 2026 FIFA World CupThe 16 host stadiums for the 2026 World Cup being held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Read more »
Phone deal for visiting fans at 2026 World Cup part of Verizon sponsor pact with FIFASoccer fans arriving in North America for the 2026 World Cup have been promised help with their cell phone coverage.
Read more »
Phone deal for visiting fans at 2026 World Cup part of Verizon sponsor pact with FIFASoccer fans arriving in North America for the 2026 World Cup have been promised help with their cell phone coverage.
Read more »