The report says the stadium has gone well beyond a cosmetic switch.
That matters because elite footballers notice every detail underfoot. Ball roll, first-touch control and sharp changes of direction all depend on consistency, especially in a tournament where matches can turn on one loose pass or one bad plant of the foot.
Martin also reportedly said, “The amount of coordination and communication... it's been a task, I will say that.” That sounds obvious, but it is revealing. This is not just groundskeeping. It is architectural compromise, logistical planning and football-specific thinking in a building designed around another sport.
The update says lower-level suites have been temporarily removed to accommodate a full-sized football pitch. That is a visible reminder of how different the game’s spatial demands are from the NFL’s.
The grass-first push also reflects a broader truth: major tournaments want authenticity, not a near-enough adaptation. Reports have also highlighted long-running player preference for grass over turf, and that debate is unlikely to fade in the United States any time soon.
For now, though, the focus is simple. If AT&T Stadium can deliver a surface that feels like a true football venue, it will set the tone for everything that follows. The next checkpoint comes on 14 June, when Netherlands and Japan provide the first real test.