Thu Jun 19 17:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**MetLife Stadium Pitch Under Fire Ahead of Major Tournaments**
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Concerns are mounting over the playing surface at MetLife Stadium after a Club World Cup match between FC Porto and Palmeiras on Sunday drew criticism from players and coaches alike. The 0-0 draw saw both teams struggle with the pitch, raising questions about its readiness to host key matches in this summer’s Club World Cup, including the semi-finals and final, and next year’s men’s World Cup final.
Brazilian wonderkid Estevao, who has agreed to join Chelsea after the tournament, said the pitch was too dry and slow, hindering the pace of the game. His sentiments were echoed by both head coaches. Abel Ferreira of Palmeiras noted the pitch’s dryness early in the match, while Porto’s Martin Anselmi believed it led to imprecision and hindered his team’s ability to accelerate play. Porto player Ze Pedro simply said the pitch “could be better”.
These concerns follow similar complaints during last summer’s Copa America, where the field conditions were described as substandard.
FIFA has reportedly spent the past year researching the optimal grass type for MetLife Stadium, opting for a “warm-season grass” grown at Tuckahoe Turf Farms. However, the inconsistent weather experienced in New Jersey this week appears to have impacted the surface.
Adding to the discussion, Palmeiras coach Ferreira suggested FIFA consider consolidating fans in the lower tiers of the stadium for matches with lower attendance to improve the atmosphere. While the Palmeiras-Porto match drew a respectable 46,275 fans, many were scattered across three tiers.
FIFA has offered discounted tickets to boost attendance for upcoming Club World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.
First Piper 