Following the first FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Vancouver, Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach was impressed not by the crowd or ambiance but by the quality of the grass field.
Beach commended the field’s condition after the game against Turkey on June 14, stating, “The pitch was great quality tonight, especially when it was nice and wet. The ball was rolling really well.” He also mentioned the positive reception from players during the pitch inspection upon their arrival.
John Sorochan, a University of Tennessee distinguished professor born in Calgary, was delighted to hear Beach’s feedback as it signified the successful culmination of years of dedicated research and testing to ensure the fields were FIFA compliant. Sorochan and his team were responsible for overseeing the installation and maintenance of the grass pitches in all 16 World Cup stadiums spread across three countries.
Expressing the effort invested in the project, Sorochan shared with Day 6 host Brent Bambury, “It’s a lot of work, a lot of sweat and tears, a lot of sleepless nights that went into this.”
Rigorous evaluation
Alan Ferguson, FIFA’s senior pitch manager, approached Sorochan in London and entrusted him with the task of developing the World Cup fields, leading to a five-year collaboration between the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University.
The research involved studying the ball’s impact and energy on the turf surface to achieve optimal field performance. Using specialized equipment, such as a training machine adapted for soccer ball launches and a 3D-printed foot with a cleat, they tested various scenarios to simulate player movements and ball interactions under different grass conditions.
These tests ensured the fields met FIFA standards, with specific attention given to maintaining consistent playing conditions across stadiums despite varying grass types required for indoor and outdoor venues.
