Tennessee turf experts plan for future World Cups after 2026 experience
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 9:06 AM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
University of Tennessee researchers successfully managed the turf for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, meeting FIFA's high standards without needing any turf replacements. John Sorochan, a turfgrass science professor, noted that the quality of the pitches improved throughout the tournament. Following this success, FIFA has expressed interest in continuing collaboration with UT for future World Cups, including 2030 and 2034. Sorochan's team plans to address challenges related to different playing conditions and explore sustainable practices, such as a water recycling system for stadiums.
- •UT turf management avoided any grass replacements during the World Cup.
- •FIFA officials praised UT's pitch quality throughout the tournament.
- •Research aimed at addressing environmental impacts on playing surfaces is underway.
- •Future collaboration with FIFA includes the 2030 and 2034 World Cups.
- •Sorochan focuses on sustainability and developing new turf management technologies.
- 9:06 AMYahoo Sports — Exclusive: After World Cup run, Tennessee turf experts plan for encore
"More major sports tournaments could be in the future for University of Tennessee turf researchers after a "flawless" 2026 FIFA World Cup experience.
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•Aug 6, 2026, 10:00 AMWhich non-Bayern Munich player are you most excited to watch in the Bundesliga this season?
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 6, 2026, 7:13 AMBiggest Football Fans in the World Revealed by Study
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 6, 2026, 5:24 AMGianni Infantino makes first admission of error over FIFA private investment plan
- FIFA World Cup•Aug 6, 2026, 12:17 AMFIFA's Gianni Infantino apologizes for World Cup sale plan following crisis meeting
FIFA World Cup•Aug 5, 2026, 10:33 PMFIFA, Gianni Infantino scrap plan to sell investment stake in World Cup- FIFA World Cup•Aug 5, 2026, 9:56 PM😮 Is he stepping down now? Infantino speaks out after crisis talks!
