Concerns Over MetLife Stadium Pitch in Club World Cup
Following the recent draw between FC Porto and Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, both teams’ head coaches, along with Brazilian prodigy Estevao, expressed their dissatisfaction with the condition of the MetLife Stadium pitch in New Jersey. The match ended in a stalemate, highlighting concerns over the playing surface ahead of multiple upcoming fixtures at the stadium, including semi-finals and the championship game of the Club World Cup this summer, as well as the men’s World Cup final scheduled for next year, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host.
Previous Pitch Quality Issues
Last summer, the Copa America raised similar issues regarding field quality in the U.S. when Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni criticized the pitch at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, describing it as subpar. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez labeled it a “disaster,” while sections of the MetLife pitch also showed signs of wear during that tournament, which was managed by CONMEBOL, not FIFA.
Player and Coach Reactions
In a press conference after the match, 18-year-old Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea in the Premier League post-tournament, shared that the pitch affected gameplay, stating,
“The field needed more watering because the ball moved slowly, impacting our rhythm.”
He noted that the rain later in the game improved conditions slightly. The weather in recent days has fluctuated significantly, creating challenges for maintaining optimal pitch quality.
Grass Selection and Venue Requirements
FIFA has made efforts to determine the best type of grass for this venue, eventually opting for a “warm-season grass” cultivated by Tuckahoe Turf Farms, which will similarly provide grass for the 2026 World Cup. Though the stadium usually utilizes synthetic turf for the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, natural grass is required for this international championship.
Coaches’ Insights on Gameplay Conditions
Abel Ferreira, head coach of Palmeiras, commented on the dry start to the match, implying that the rain helped facilitate their style of play. Players from FC Porto matched this sentiment; Ze Pedro acknowledged that conditions could improve, while coach Martin Anselmi mentioned that the pitch led to inaccuracies in their strategy, especially when trying to quicken the pace of the game.
Attendance and Fan Experience
Despite the attendance of 46,275 supporters, predominantly from the Palmeiras fanbase, Ferreira suggested that to enhance the atmosphere during sparse crowd turnouts, FIFA should consider restricting access to higher tiers of seating, thus better consolidating fans in lower sections. He remarked that while 46,000 spectators is commendable, it sometimes feels empty in a venue of this size, especially given the logistical challenges faced by fans flying in from Brazil and Portugal.
Promoting Attendance
In an effort to promote attendance, FIFA issued QR codes for a 20% discount on tickets to other group stage matches at the venue. Currently, tickets for Palmeiras’ match against Al-Ahly have dropped to $45, while Borussia Dortmund is set to face Fluminense for a mere $33.
