Kentucky’s Unexpected Connection to FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has taken North America by storm. International soccer fans have flooded social media with pictures, videos, and stories of love and fascination with what makes the United States special.

American Tourist Favorites

Like Buc-ee's, Waffle House, Walmart, and even Hidden Valley ranch dressing have become favorites among tourists. Stars like Ella Langley have gained hundreds, if not thousands, of new fans who have heard her on the radio here in the States.

Kentucky's Green Blue Role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

While Kentucky is not an official base camp for a FIFA team or playing host to any matches, we do play a huge role (literally, actually) in the games. If you want to see how, all you have to do is look down.

The Perfect Pitch

Believe it or not, the quality of "the pitch" as it is sometimes called, can have a huge effect on the outcome of a game. According to the BBC, scientists have been working for decades to perfect the grass for the soccer games. Testing out different kinds by kicking the ball and stomping around to see how they will hold up over multiple matches.

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Factors to consider: Does it allow the ball to roll freely? How much traction do the players have? What is the optimal grass height? What will the weather be like in the cities where matches are hosted? How should the grass be maintained from day to day?

Bluegrass is Best

What type of grass is best when considering all of these things? The answer is two-fold: "In warmer climates, the turf will consist of Bermuda grass, while cooler climates will have a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Sorochan and his team determined that Bermuda grass pitches should be cut slightly shorter, because they're denser and dry more quickly than pitches of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass."

Governor Beshear = Kentucky's Ted Lasso

Governor Beshear (Kentucky's own Ted Lasso) proudly shared this the other day:

So when you look out at those gorgeous green pitches, be proud! If you want to REALLY nerd out and learn more about how science combines with the sport of soccer, you can read the full BBC story here. Or click the button below to read the magical fairy rumors associated with Kentucky Bluegrass.