The 2026 World Cup will be a logistical challenge for the turf. Scientists and farmers are developing specific seed mixtures for 16 stadiums in climates ranging from Canadian cold to Mexican heat. The goal is for the grass to withstand the wear and tear of matches without failing, using ryegrass for temperate zones and bermudagrass for warmer ones.
Genetic mixtures and smart irrigation for each venue 🌱
In laboratories, seed combinations adapted to the temperature and humidity of each city are being tested. For venues like Vancouver, cold-resistant perennial ryegrass is used, while in Mexico City, hybrid bermudagrass tolerant to altitude is chosen. Automated irrigation systems and humidity sensors adjust water according to the local climate, preventing the grass from burning or becoming waterlogged during matches.
The grass that sweats more than some players 😅
While footballers complain about the heat in Monterrey, the local turf is already used to heart-stopping temperatures. Engineers even calculate the grass's water stress as if it were another athlete. That said, no one has managed to make Canadian ryegrass happy when it sees snow. Maybe it should be given a coat or a vacation in Cancun.