World-renowned turfgrass expert John Sorochan, in UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture, is leading the research collaboration
With soccer’s biggest tournament set to begin in just 100 days, researchers and leaders from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted FIFA officials for the 2026 FIFA Pitch Management Research Field Day event to review progress toward preparing natural grass pitches for FIFA World Cup 26.
The field day, held in Knoxville Feb. 24-26, highlighted the collaborative work of UT, Michigan State University and FIFA to advance science-based recommendations for pitch management ahead of the tournament, which will take place in June and July across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
“Each time we come to UT, we see how much momentum this research collaboration has created,” said Alan Ferguson, FIFA senior pitch management manager. “UT and Michigan State have helped FIFA turn complex research into practical venue-ready guidance. With the tournament fast approaching, the progress we reviewed at this field day reinforces how valuable this collaboration has been in preparing natural grass pitches that can perform consistently across all host venues.”
Turfgrass specialists, sod farmers, stadium managers and other professionals gathered to discuss final preparations including data-driven decisions around pitch testing, management, protection and aesthetics as well as stadium-specific setup considerations and lighting.
World-renowned turfgrass expert John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in UT’s Herbert College of Agriculture, is leading the research collaboration.
“Reflecting on the FIFA project, I remain truly inspired and incredibly proud of how teams of experts from two great universities partnered with a shared commitment to excellence,” he said. “Under significant pressure and global expectations, our teams rigorously tested, challenged assumptions and pursued innovation at every level. Together, we generated meaningful evidence-based insights that equip FIFA with the most current and trusted information available — helping deliver the safest, highest-quality pitches possible for FIFA World Cup 26.”
Sorochan and Trey Rogers, professor of turfgrass research at MSU, along with their respective teams, updated attendees on coordinated research activities supporting pitch performance across all venues for FIFA World Cup 26. The delegation reflected on operational successes and knowledge gained from developing the optimal pitches for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition, which was held last year.
For complete details visit the UT Knoxville news article.