The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the development of innovative technologies designed to ensure the highest possible quality for the playing surfaces of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026. This initiative was highlighted during a recent visit by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and a delegation from the organization to the research and development center specialized in sports field surfaces at the University of Tennessee, USA.

Infantino emphasized that these research efforts will benefit football globally by improving pitch quality, enhancing player safety, and providing an optimal playing experience.

The initiative follows the selection of host cities for the 2026 World Cup and is part of a broader, five-year research project aimed at standardizing playing surface criteria, irrespective of climate conditions or stadium types.

FIFA's collaboration with the University of Tennessee and the University of Michigan has been expanded to also include the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Infantino praised the technologies being employed in this project, pointing out that these innovations are expected not only to improve player conditions but also to enhance the level of performance and enjoyment in the 167 matches scheduled to take place across the two tournaments.