Concerns over pitch conditions ahead of FIFA World Cup final
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 3:17 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
The FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina is set for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Players have raised significant concerns regarding the playing surface, which has faced criticism throughout the tournament. Despite FIFA's investment in field management and the replacement of artificial turf with grass, players have reported the conditions as unsatisfactory, with some describing the pitch as hard and rigid. With temperatures expected to reach 85F, both teams are hoping the field condition will not affect their performance in the pivotal match.
- •Match scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
- •Spain and Argentina reached the final after recent semifinal victories.
- •FIFA has faced criticism for using NFL stadiums without soccer-specific design.
- •Players report issues with pitch conditions during the tournament.
- •High temperatures may further affect the playing surface.
- 3:17 PMYahoo Sports — Adverse stadium conditions could overshadow FIFA World Cup showpiece
"Ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina, concerns linger over the condition of the oft-criticized playing surface at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- FIFA World Cup•Jul 20, 2026, 9:49 AMJavier Bardem Says He's 'Very Proud' Of This Spain-Trump World Cup Final Move
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 20, 2026, 9:46 AM9 World Cup Final Moments Everyone's Talking About Beyond The Football
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 20, 2026, 9:20 AMHe was back to his best – Richards on Rodri
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 20, 2026, 9:13 AMLamine Yamal, girlfriend Ines Garcia share intimate moment with World Cup Trophy
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 20, 2026, 9:05 AMFerran Torres after leading Spain to World Cup triumph: ‘Things always come to those who deserve them most’
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 20, 2026, 9:03 AMWorld champions Spain set for hero's welcome; boy dies in celebration
