John Sorochan, a Canadian, played a crucial role in developing the turf for all 16 World Cup stadiums. Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach praised the quality of the turf in Vancouver after the first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Sorochan and his team put in years of hard work and research to ensure the fields were FIFA ready.
The process involved rigorous testing of the turf to meet FIFA standards. Sorochan, along with his team at the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University, studied the ball’s impact on the turf to achieve optimal performance. Various tests were conducted using specialized equipment to simulate player movements and ball interactions under different conditions.
The World Cup, hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, presented a unique challenge due to the diverse stadium requirements. Sorochan tailored the grass types to suit each stadium’s needs, ensuring consistency across all venues. Indoor stadiums featured a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass, while outdoor stadiums like Miami required Bermuda grass.
After overseeing the installation, Sorochan passed the management of the fields to dedicated teams at each stadium. Specialized care plans, including irrigation and UV-light systems, were implemented to maintain the turf’s quality. Despite the challenges, feedback from players has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the turf as the best they have played on.
The meticulous work of Sorochan and his team has not gone unnoticed, with players and officials alike appreciating the high standard of the World Cup turf.
