William Saliba raises concerns about MetLife Stadium pitch ahead of final
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 4:12 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
William Saliba criticized the pitch conditions at MetLife Stadium following France's 3-1 win over Senegal during their World Cup match. Saliba expressed surprise at the state of the turf and shared that players were asked to choose between molded and screwed-in studs before the game, an unusual request. He opted for screwed-in studs but noted the pitch resembled artificial turf and was very hard. Saliba mentioned the same pitch will be used for the World Cup final on July 19, making it essential for preparation.
- •Saliba criticized the turf at MetLife Stadium after France's opening match.
- •France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup opener.
- •Saliba was surprised by the pitch conditions and the studs choice request.
- •The final is scheduled for July 19 at the same venue.
- •Saliba felt the pitch was hard and akin to artificial turf.
- 4:12 PMYahoo Sports — William Saliba criticizes World Cup final venue pitch and reveals ‘unusual’ studs request
"Every World Cup brings its share of controversy, and the 2026 edition has had no shortage of it already — on the pitch, off it, and according to William Saliba, with the pitches themselves. France got their tournament underway against Senegal at MetLife Stadium earlier in the week, and while they ran out convincing 3-1 winners, the result came with a complaint attached.
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