Concerns raised over MetLife Stadium pitch for 2026 World Cup final

The MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host the 2026 World Cup final, is under scrutiny due to the quality of its playing surface. Temporarily renamed the New York New Jersey Stadium for the event, the venue faces criticism from players and coaches regarding its hardness and texture. French players Adrien Rabiot and William Saliba, along with coach Didier Deschamps, have reported that the field feels like artificial turf and causes muscle strain. Furthermore, Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior noted that high temperatures cause the grass to dry out quickly, slowing down the pace of play. The stadium, home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets with a capacity of 82,500, was ranked last among the 16 World Cup venues in a pre-tournament evaluation by The Athletic. While the location was selected for its proximity to New York City and its favorable time zone for global broadcasts, critics have described the facility as impersonal. Although the venue offers modern amenities, the primary concerns remain the impact of the pitch on player performance and health.