Northern Colorado Turf to Feature in 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

Excitement is building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Northern Colorado will play a significant role in the event, albeit in a unique way. Although the state itself won't be a host for any matches, its grass will grace the pitches in Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.

FIFA selected Green Valley Turf, a sod company based in Platteville, to supply the turf for the matches held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, NRG Stadium, and AT&T Stadium, all of which feature fully retractable roofs. These venues will offer a climate-controlled environment, necessitating a cooler-season grass that can thrive indoors despite the summer heat.

Joe Wilkins III, the owner of Green Valley Turf, explained, “It seems a little strange that the grass is coming all the way from Colorado, but those buildings will be climate-controlled at 70 degrees throughout the whole tournament.” The grass, a special blend of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye, was cultivated at the company's Platteville location and shipped in May, with each pitch measuring 82,000 square feet and requiring a massive transport effort of 24 semi-trucks.

Green Valley Turf, established in 1962, has a history of supplying turf for various sports teams, including the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies. The company’s involvement in the World Cup is a noteworthy achievement, as the three venues will collectively host 24 of the tournament's 104 matches.

So, as fans watch the world’s elite soccer players compete on the field, they can appreciate that the turf beneath them hails from the sunlit fields of Northern Colorado.