STRI Group, the West Yorkshire-based sports surface consultancy, is managing the implementation of natural grass playing surfaces across North America ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Operating from its global headquarters in Bingley, near Bradford, the company is executing the project through the Elite Pitch Alliance (EPA). The specialist consortium combines STRI Group’s agronomic research with North American partners DA Hogan, Dr Andy McNitt, and Fields Inc to design, construct, and manage tournament-compliant pitches across varied climatic zones.

The group’s remit addresses the engineering challenges of retrofitting traditional American football stadiums—many of which use synthetic turf or lack the advanced drainage required for international association football. STRI Group has led the design of specialised modular overlay systems for key tournament venues, including New York New Jersey Stadium, Seattle Stadium, and BC Place in Vancouver.

Additionally, the consultancy is overseeing the physical modification of existing natural turf at Kansas City Stadium and Philadelphia Stadium to bring their profiles into alignment with strict FIFA performance metrics. The company will provide on-site consultancy, structural testing, and pitch management infrastructure throughout the 39-day tournament.

Richard Stuttard, Group Director at STRI Group, commented: “We’re delighted to be part of the Elite Pitch Alliance and to contribute our expertise to the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The tournament’s geographic spread and its multi-use venues present unique challenges, and this is where our team excels. Our experience and technical knowledge come to the forefront, ensuring high-performing, consistent playing surfaces under the most demanding conditions.”