MSU’s internationally recognized Turfgrass Management Program will take center stage in 2026. In collaboration with the International Federation of Association Football, or FIFA, and the University of Tennessee, MSU is helping provide the natural grass playing surfaces for the FIFA World Cup 26, bringing Spartan research to soccer’s biggest stage.
MSU's Turfgrass Legacy
For 70 years, MSU’s turfgrass program has been teaching and training turfgrass professionals around the world.
Research and Impact
John “Trey” Rogers III, a professor in MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has become a world-renowned expert in turfgrass, in part, for his work developing a revolutionary system to make turfgrass portable (so it could be transported and reused from stadium to stadium) for the 1994 World Cup. This innovative technology created at MSU has now become industry standard.
Rogers thoughtfully built his team of faculty and students for the 1994 World Cup, which included then-undergraduate student John Sorochan who later became a graduate student under Rogers. Rogers’ teaching, guidance and mentorship led to Sorochan becoming a leading turfgrass researcher at the University of Tennessee. When Alan Ferguson, FIFA’s pitch management manager, wanted the best people working on the FIFA World Cup 26, he asked Rogers and Sorochan to lead the effort.
Now, Rogers and Sorochan are co-principal investigators on a FIFA grant to grow turfgrass for the upcoming World Cup (including all the practice and game fields). The challenge for the team in this World Cup will be delivering pristine turfgrass that performs across multiple venues in multiple climates while ensuring the turfgrass practice and play surfaces are consistent for all players.
Pride Points
- The stature of MSU’s turfgrass program is unmatched.
- Every serious conversation about turfgrass excellence in the U.S. includes a Spartan.
- MSU turfgrass alumni at every level (in our two-year certifications, undergraduate and doctoral programs) are leaders in their fields.
- Internships and practical experiences are integrated into the undergraduate and certificate programs, giving MSU turfgrass students valuable experiences with MBL and NFL teams nationwide.
- Our close partnerships with stakeholders (like the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation) are central to the success of MSU turfgrass research, teaching and extension missions.
- Hancock Turfgrass Research Center, located on MSU’s campus, offers 56 acres of dedicated research plots with fully equipped labs for diagnostics and sample processing. The research that comes out of the Hancock Center is minutely tailored to the needs of midwestern playing surfaces.
Meet the Experts
John “Trey” Rogers III has been a professor of turfgrass research since 1988 in MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His research excellence and leadership has been a large part of MSU’s world-renown reputation as a leader and innovator in turfgrass research. Throughout his career, Rogers has trained and graduated over 1,000 students who work at some of the world’s top facilities for professional soccer, golf, baseball, football and more.
Jackie Guevara is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research focuses on golf and sports turfgrass management.
Ryan Bearss is a research assistant in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. His work focuses on coordinating the research to support the FIFA World Cup 26’s playing and practice turfgrass surfaces.
For Media
To arrange an interview or for questions about MSU and the FIFA World Cup 26 turfgrass, please reach out to Emilie Lorditch, public relations manager, at lorditch@msu.edu or Kim Ward, senior public relations manager at kward@msu.edu.
In the News
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