Eleven NFL venues have been altered to meet FIFA World Cup standards ahead of this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The conversion work centered on field size and surface: FIFA requires pitches of 105 meters by 68 meters and that World Cup matches be played on natural grass.
NFL fields measure 120 yards by 53.3 yards, so many venues needed to expand the playing surface and replace or modify artificial turf. Organizers also used grass reinforced with synthetic fibers for additional durability, mirroring practices at some top European clubs.
At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, work began in late January to remove artificial turf and install a ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass mix, WSB-TV reported. The surface was tested by the U.S. men’s national team during March friendlies, and stadium officials then installed a separate pitch reserved for World Cup matches. FIFA requires host venues to cover non-World Cup sponsor branding; organizers estimated some 2,000 images would need concealing in Atlanta, though The Athletic reported an exception was made for the Mercedes‑Benz logo on the stadium roof because of logistical complications.
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough underwent a different, deeper reconstruction. According to CBS News, crews tore out artificial turf in February and removed 10 inches of gravel beneath the field, uncovering irrigation, heating and water-vacuum systems installed in the early 2000s. Workers added layers of sand, porous ceramic and sod before setting a ryegrass–Kentucky bluegrass surface after roughly six weeks. One field superintendent called the operation “really intense.” Limited seating removals and concealment of non-World Cup branding were also part of the preparations there.
Across host sites, organizers made temporary name changes and additional infrastructure and branding adjustments to meet World Cup requirements. The collective effort reflects the extensive labor and logistical planning required to convert American football stadiums into venues suitable for the world’s premier soccer tournament.
