As preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the tournament’s most high-profile venues is suddenly drawing criticism online. Hard Rock Stadium, which will be officially called Miami Stadium during the tournament, went viral for the wrong reason after one video.
The venue was seen installing the final sod roll for the World Cup pitch in the clip. This immediately sparked concern, with many worried the stadium is using artificial turf. The stadium will host one of the sporting world’s biggest names, Cristiano Ronaldo, when Portugal face Colombia in the group stage.
Artificial turf has suffered a bad reputation across the NFL due to increased injury risks, particularly ACL tears and ankle problems. Those concerns come from long-running debates surrounding artificial turf versus natural grass in American stadiums. According to a report from last year, NFL players experienced a 32% higher rate of non-contact knee injuries on artificial surfaces.
Meanwhile, the rate of non-contact foot or ankle injuries compared to natural grass stood at 69%. But when it comes to the NFL, the turf is different. Hard Rock Stadium, which is home to the Miami Dolphins, is among the 15 NFL teams that have natural grass in their stadiums, according to ESPN’s 2023 report. South Florida sod farms grow natural grass.
The venue also isn’t hosting its first soccer event. Hard Rock Stadium has hosted 2025 FIFA Club World Cup games along with a few fixtures of the 2024 Copa America. As the video shows a new pitch being rolled out, it’s still unclear whether it is artificial or natural. In terms of soccer events, no injuries have been linked to the stadium.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Seven World Cup matches will take place in Miami Stadium. Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay’s Group H match will take place on June 15. It will also host knockout games from the Round of 32, quarterfinals, and the bronze medal game. The venue will host Ronaldo on June 27. However, it isn’t the first time the Portuguese star has played at Hard Rock Stadium.
During his Real Madrid days, Ronaldo scored a goal at the venue against FC Barcelona in a friendly match. As he looks to win his first World Cup in possibly his last tournament, the 41-year-old will try to bring back his form from his Madrid tenure.
