Players criticize MetLife Stadium pitch during FIFA World Cup matches
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 11:02 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is ongoing at MetLife Stadium, where players have raised concerns about the pitch conditions. Following France's 3-1 victory over Senegal, players, including Adrien Rabiot, remarked that the surface felt hard and artificial. Brazil's Vinicius Junior also reported that the field dried out quickly, hindering performance during their 1-1 draw against Morocco. The switch from artificial turf to natural grass has not alleviated long-standing issues with the stadium's playing surface, which has been criticized by both NFL teams and international players alike.
- •World Cup matches are currently being held at MetLife Stadium.
- •France defeated Senegal 3-1, raising concerns about field quality.
- •Vinicius Junior expressed frustration with the pitch during Brazil's 1-1 draw.
- •Players noted the challenges of playing on the surface, especially in heat.
- •MetLife Stadium's field has a history of being criticized by athletes.
- 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA World Cup players gripe about MetLife Stadium's 'pitch'
"Like many New York Giants and players around the NFL, World Cup players have taken issue with the surface -- currently grass -- at MetLife Stadium.
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