2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals to Play on Colorado Grass

The Grass Journey From Platteville to the Stadiums

Platteville’s Green Valley Turf, a family‑run operation since 1962, grew the exact surface that will cover three 2026 venues. The cool‑season blend of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye was developed with a $5 million FIFA‑funded partnership between Michigan State University and the University of Tennessee. Harvested in May, the sod covers 82,000 sq ft per pitch—roughly two acres—and required 24 semi‑trucks to transport each field to Atlanta, Houston and Dallas.

The decision to import Colorado sod came down to climate control inside the stadiums. All three sites have full‑air retractable roofs that will keep the playing surface at about 70 °F, matching the grass’s natural thriving conditions. Owner Joe Wilkins III explained that a cool‑season grass “seems a little strange” when shipped from afar, but it is the only type that can survive the indoor environment.

Atlanta’s New Pitch Visualized

This photo shows the newly installed Colorado turf at Atlanta Stadium, highlighting the precision required to set up the indoor playing surface. With a retractable roof that can be sealed, the stadium will maintain cooler temperatures for the July heat. This installation underscores the logistical effort needed to bring a cool‑season grass field to a southern city.

Semifinal Line‑up and Timing

Two classic match‑ups will decide the semifinal round on Colorado grass. Spain faces France at Dallas’s AT&T Stadium on July 14 at 3 p.m. ET (1 p.m. MT). England meets Argentina at Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium the following day, July 15, also at 3 p.m. ET (1 p.m. MT). The championship will be held July 19 in the New York/New Jersey area, not on Colorado sod.

• July 14 (3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. MT): Spain vs. France, Dallas/AT&T Stadium
• July 15 (3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. MT): England vs. Argentina, Atlanta/Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Impact on the Tournament

Twenty‑four of the 104 matches in the 2026 World Cup will be played on the imported Colorado surface, accounting for roughly a quarter of all games. The three venues—Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, NRG Stadium and AT&T Stadium—share identical retractable roofs, ensuring consistent indoor conditions for every match. While Colorado itself has never hosted a World Cup match, its grass will now be central to the tournament’s biggest stage.

Why Colorado Was Chosen

Beyond the climate‑controlled environment, Colorado’s cool‑season grass offers durability for the high‑intensity summer schedule. The state’s elevation and soil conditions proved ideal for cultivating the proprietary blend required by FIFA’s research program. This unique supply chain highlights a growing trend of sourcing specialized playing surfaces from regions best suited to their growth.