Players raise concerns over World Cup final stadium turf quality
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 5:56 AM
Last updated Jun 22, 2026
The turf at the East Rutherford stadium set for the World Cup final on July 19 has drawn critical feedback from players. Adrien Rabiot remarked that it feels more like artificial turf, while Vinícius Júnior noted difficulties during the first match on June 13. Conditions are reportedly affecting gameplay, with coaches commenting on the surface's hardness. FIFA asserts that all stadiums are in excellent condition despite the complaints. The layout and playability of the field have become points of contention as more matches are scheduled at the venue.
- •Turf quality criticized by Adrien Rabiot and Vinícius Júnior
- •First match at the stadium ended in a 1-1 draw against Morocco
- •FIFA claims all World Cup stadiums have excellent playing conditions
- •Surface was described as hard and patchy during matches
- •Next match at East Rutherford is scheduled for Monday against Senegal
- 5:56 AMYahoo Sports — Turf at World Cup final stadium already sparks controversy
"The turf at the stadium that will World Cup final on July 19 is already sparking debate after just a few games and there's been question whether the arena in East Rutherford was the most appropriate choice for the big match. It feels more like artificial turf, said French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, while several other players and coaches noted that the surface is particularly hard.
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