As excitement builds for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is leading the charge in innovative turf research to ensure all playing surfaces meet the highest standards. With 16 venues prepared to host matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the expertise of John Sorochan, a professor of turfgrass science and management, is being utilized in partnership with FIFA. Their objective is to guarantee optimal turf conditions for each of the 104 matches scheduled.
Currently, Sorochan and his research team are in the critical final stages of their project, building upon insights gained during the Club World Cup earlier this year. A recent exclusive tour at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center brought attention to a state-of-the-art facility designed to mimic conditions in five domed stadiums that are anticipated to host matches during the 2025 FIFA World Cup. This pioneering effort incorporates advanced technology like LED grow lights, which are engineered to provide about 12 hours of daily illumination in different color wavelengths to foster ideal grass growth patterns.
The sod cultivated at the University of Tennessee is especially notable, being grown on plastic to promote strong root systems and facilitate quick installation at stadiums. This method allows grass to be rolled up and relocated with minimal risk of damage. Additionally, the sod integrates artificial fibers, constituting roughly 5% of its composition, which provide extra stability and allow for rapid assembly and disassembly within a narrow 12-hour window.
Sorochan’s contributions extend beyond mere turf quality; he has collaborated with research associate Kyley Dickson to develop the fLEX machine. This innovation emerged from a previous incident where an NFL game in Mexico City was moved due to subpar turf conditions. The fLEX machine simulates foot strikes to assess the turf surface, ensuring it meets strict safety standards for athletes. This groundbreaking technology has garnered attention not only from FIFA but also from several NFL teams, showcasing its broad applicability.
While the primary focus has been on warm-season Bermuda grass, the University is also exploring overseeding with cool-season ryegrass, which will enhance turf stability and performance akin to the support provided by artificial fibers. This blend of grass types is essential for meeting the diverse climate conditions across various World Cup venues.
Dillon McCallum, the lead technician for FIFA’s turf research, shares his personal connection to the project, having been inspired by a chance meeting during his college years. His journey to UT for a master’s degree has equipped him with invaluable hands-on experience that contributes directly to the successful execution of the World Cup.
Sorochan’s research places a premium on uniform playing surfaces across all stadiums, ensuring athletes contend with consistent conditions, thereby enhancing player safety and maintaining the integrity of the tournament. As FIFA prepares for the World Cup, the collaborative efforts of the University of Tennessee and their innovative turf solutions exemplify a commitment to sports excellence that transcends national borders. With plans for continued collaboration on future projects, this partnership is poised to lead to further advancements in the science of sports turf management.