MetLife Stadium, rebranded during this summer’s FIFA World Cup as New York New Jersey Stadium, replaced its long-standing artificial turf with natural grass in preparation for hosting multiple matches, including the tournament final scheduled for July 19. This transition, the result of several years of research and development and completed with an early May installation, was intended to meet FIFA’s requirements for a playing surface suitable for elite international soccer.

Despite these efforts, the new grass pitch has drawn criticism from several players and coaches during the ongoing group stage matches. France’s midfielder Adrien Rabiot described the surface as “hard and rigid,” likening it to artificial turf, and expressed hope for improved conditions at future venues. France’s head coach Didier Deschamps also voiced concerns, calling it a “special surface” with “very short shards of grass” and suggesting there might be a hard base underneath. Deschamps noted the pitch was physically demanding, draining players’ muscular energy.

Brazilian star Vinicius Junior highlighted how the dry and heat-affected turf slowed down gameplay, disrupting his team’s style that depends on quick ball movements. Similarly, some players observed that the pitch’s dryness led to a slower pace, which contrasted with the preferred conditions for soccer's technical play.

However, conditions appeared to improve after rainfall ahead of the third match at the stadium, where Norway defeated Senegal 3-2. Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw praised the rain’s positive impact on the pitch, stating his players had no complaints following the precipitation. Norwegian players, accustomed to varying and artificial surfaces in their domestic leagues, acknowledged differences but reported no significant issues adapting to the field.

FIFA responded to ongoing concerns by affirming the quality and safety of all tournament pitches, including the surface at MetLife Stadium. The organization noted that while some visual imperfections were apparent, assessments by their Turf Management Team confirmed the grass was healthy and performing as intended for top-level competition.

The switch to natural grass at MetLife is part of a broader mandate affecting eight stadiums across North America to ensure surfaces meet soccer-specific standards, which differ from those designed for American football. The change also seeks to minimize injury risks associated with artificial turf, previously linked to several high-profile football injuries occurring at the venue.

With under a month left before the World Cup final, focus remains on maintaining the pitch’s condition and addressing player feedback. Stadium officials and turf experts continue to monitor and manage the grass, aiming to deliver an optimal playing surface for what is expected to be a global sporting highlight.