University of Tennessee's Cutting-Edge Turf Research for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Dr. John Sorochan, a distinguished professor at UT, leads the research team focused on creating durable and consistent turf. Their work involves growing sod on plastic to facilitate easy installation and reduce stress on the grass. Artificial fibers are incorporated to enhance stability.

The team uses LED grow lights to mimic conditions in domed stadiums, adjusting light color (blue for sturdy growth, red for lush growth) and duration (around 12 hours for a full field). The fLEX machine, born from an incident where an NFL game was relocated due to unsafe field conditions, measures turf compliance to prevent injuries.

UT's research includes blending warm-season Bermuda grass with cool-season ryegrass for stability, a method successfully used at the Club World Cup. They also implement shallow pitch technology allowing rapid assembly and disassembly of the turf. This comprehensive approach ensures a uniform playing experience across all venues.

To ensure consistent, high-quality playing surfaces across all stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It simulates foot strikes to measure turf compliance, helping to identify and address potential safety hazards.

Bermuda grass and ryegrass combinations are being tested for stability and consistency.

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