Alan Ferguson: FIFA’s Pitch Team Tackles Heat and Altitude for World Cup

FIFA’s technical director Alan Ferguson is leading a team to adapt the 2026 World Cup pitches to extreme heat and high‑altitude conditions across host cities. Drawing lessons from the 2022 tournament’s heat waves, Ferguson’s crew is redesigning soil composition and irrigation systems for the new venues.

They accounted for altered ball speed and bounce in high‑altitude stadiums. Customized maintenance plans are being created for each stadium to ensure player safety and match quality.

These efforts aim to keep the tournament running smoothly and satisfy fans worldwide.