INGLEWOOD, Calif. — SoFi Stadium unveiled a test pitch featuring new “hybrid” grass technology for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League and in preparation of next year’s FIFA World Cup Thursday.
The test pitch will see its first action during the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and finals on March 20 and 23, followed by a friendly match between the United States and Brazilian women’s national teams on April 5.
These events will provide data on the pitch’s performance under heavy use, in order to ensure it meets FIFA standards, as SoFi Stadium is slated to host eight World Cup matches next Summer.
“This is the first time the U.S. Men’s National Team will play here at SoFi Stadium, ahead of their opening World Cup match in 2026,” Kevin Demoff, President of the Los Angeles Rams said Thursday.
The pitch is supported by a perma-void system, a thin piece of permeable cloth, sand which holds the hybrid grass surface, a mix of artificial turf and natural grass, together. The perma-void system also houses broadcast equipment and LED boards underneath the playing surface.
Pitch perfect 💯
— SoFi Stadium (@SoFiStadium) March 13, 2025
A look at the full FIFA World Cup 26 test pitch that will be in use for our upcoming soccer matches. #TheWorldStage pic.twitter.com/RFYDPef8SB
The test pitch was grown in Moses Lake, Washington and transported 1,200 miles to Inglewood, according to Otto Benedict, Senior Vice President of Facility and Campus Operations at SoFi Stadium,
Benedict went on to explain the significance of the 45-day testing period.
“This grass has been carefully monitored for its growth and adaptation to our environment,” Benedict said. “We’re using the same mowers and machinery that FIFA requires, and we’re testing every detail so that by 2026, we have everything dialed in.”
In 2026, the stadium’s walls will be pushed back to extend the field to FIFA’s required dimensions, bringing fans closer to the action.
“The modifications will give us the additional space needed for FIFA’s requirements while minimizing the impact on seating capacity,” Benedict added. “We’re only removing about 400 seats, which is a small price to pay for hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.”
Tom Braun, President of the LA Galaxy, emphasized the significance of hosting the World Cup in a state-of-the-art venue like SoFi Stadium.
“It’s so amazing to have the biggest event in the history of the world coming here,” Braun said. “It means so much to the sport of soccer, to MLS, and to U.S. Soccer to be on this platform. It’s really special.”
Braun also reflected on the potential impact of the tournament on Major League Soccer (MLS). “Our league was birthed at the 1994 World Cup, and anytime a World Cup happens, whether it’s in the U.S. or elsewhere, it gives a huge lift to our sport and our community.”
A legend to do the honors 👟⚽️@cobijones breaking in the new soccer pitch at SoFi Stadium. pic.twitter.com/WSnDNT5LCu
— SoFi Stadium (@SoFiStadium) March 13, 2025
U.S. Men’s National Team and LA Galaxy legend Cobi Jones highlighted the importance of the World Cup for the next generation of players. “As a former national team player, I’ve represented my country over 160 times, and the moments that stand out are the World Cup matches,” Jones said. “To have the opening match here at SoFi Stadium is going to be a dream come true for these young men. They’ll be representing their country, their cities, and all of you.”
The test pitch, which currently sits above the field used by the NFL’s Chargers and Rams, will be removed following the USA-Brazil friendly. The plan is for the field to return next April in preparation for the World Cup.
