Wenger Promises Improved U.S. Pitches for 2026 World Cup After Club Tournament Concerns

Wenger Assures Improved Pitch Quality for 2026 World Cup

Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, has addressed concerns regarding the subpar quality of pitches used during the Club World Cup matches in the United States. While acknowledging the current issues, Wenger guaranteed significant improvements ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host.

The condition of the playing surfaces, often parched and requiring frequent watering during breaks, has faced criticism, particularly from coaches and players representing European teams.

"I've been personally on the pitch at Orlando," Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, stated on Saturday. "It's not at the level that the European clubs are used to because it's not perfect, but that will be rectified for the World Cup next year."

Luis Enrique, coach of Paris Saint-Germain, initially highlighted the issue during the expanded Club World Cup.

Enrique expressed his concerns after his team's 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid: "The ball bounces like a rabbit."

He elaborated, "Today, for example, the field used to be artificial turf, and now it's natural grass laid over it, which means it has to be watered manually. It's a big problem for the way we play."

Enrique urged FIFA to address the situation with urgency, stating: "FIFA really needs to take this seriously. Not just the stadium fields but also the training pitches. If we're calling this the best club tournament in the world, it should have world‑class facilities. I can't imagine an NBA game played on a court full of holes."