FIFA

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 comes to an end, it is an appropriate time to reflect on what has been achieved, not only on the field of play, but by an entire industry working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it possible. While the players, coaches and teams rightly receive the applause, there is another team whose contribution is rarely recognized. This letter is written to acknowledge and thank the thousands of sports field management professionals whose expertise, commitment and passion created the stage on which the world’ s biggest sporting event was played.

The scale of this undertaking was unprecedented. More than 1,000 grounds staff worked directly across tournament stadiums and training sites throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Behind them stood many more sod producers, construction specialists, contractors, suppliers, researchers and other support roles, all of whom played an essential role. Together, we delivered one of the largest and most complex natural grass operations ever undertaken for a global sporting event.

What made this achievement truly special, however, was not just its size, it was the way the industry came together as one team. Regardless of employer, venue or country, everyone shared a common purpose: to provide the world’ s best soccer players with the best possible playing surfaces. Throughout this journey, we witnessed collaboration on a scale rarely seen in our profession, with knowledge shared openly, challenges overcome collectively and success measured not by individual recognition, but by the quality delivered every match day.

While billions of people will remember the goals, the drama and the unforgettable moments from this FIFA World Cup, those within our profession know that every one of those moments relied on the dedication of people whose work is rarely seen. The countless early mornings, late nights, difficult decisions and relentless pursuit of excellence ensured that soccer always had the stage it deserved.

This tournament has also left a lasting legacy. It has demonstrated the capability, innovation and professionalism of the North American sports field management industry on the world’ s biggest sporting stage. More importantly, it has strengthened relationships, raised standards, and shown what is possible when an industry unites behind a common goal.

On behalf of the FIFA Pitch Management Team, and to all of those involved, thank you for your commitment, your professionalism and your belief in what we could achieve together. It has been an honor to stand alongside you as one team, and we hope every person who contributed takes immense pride in the role they played in delivering a FIFA World Cup that has set a new benchmark for our profession.

Regards, The FIFA World Cup 2026 Senior Pitch Management Team: