Arsene Wenger Addresses Pitch Quality Criticism, Vows US Surfaces Will Meet 2026 World Cup Standards

FIFA's Global Football Development chief, Arsene Wenger, has addressed concerns over the quality of playing surfaces at the Club World Cup in the United States, acknowledging they are not up to standard. He has assured that conditions will be significantly improved when the country co-hosts the 2026 World Cup.

The pitches, noted for being excessively dry and only watered during designated breaks, have drawn considerable criticism from participating European teams, their coaches, and players. Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, confirmed the issue after a firsthand assessment. "I've been personally on the pitch at Orlando," he stated. "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."