USMNT's Tyler Adams on improving turf for youth and building for 2026 World Cup

The quality of playing surfaces across American soccer has become a persistent point of contention, particularly as the nation prepares to host major international tournaments. Recent criticisms from top players underscore the urgency of the issue. Following a Copa America match in Atlanta, U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie voiced his frustration, noting, “You’re playing on a football field, with laid grass that’s all patchy and it breaks up every step you take. It’s frustrating.” Similarly, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, after a Club World Cup match in Charlotte, lamented, “The pitches aren’t great at all. It holds up the ball, the ball barely bounces. It’s tough on the knees as well. Hopefully, there’s someone who will look at that going into the World Cup next year.” Enter U.S. Men’s National Team captain Tyler Adams, who is stepping up to address this foundational challenge, recognizing that the future of American soccer begins with the ground beneath its players' feet.

Adams, who famously captained the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup, is now partnering with Scotts to elevate the standard of playing surfaces nationwide, starting with youth soccer. His initiative, the “Keep It Real” Sweepstakes, running from July 10 to July 24, offers five youth sports organizations the chance to win a complete refurbishment of their natural turf playing fields using Scotts products. The launch of this endeavor held deep personal significance for Adams, as he chose his hometown of Wappinger, N.Y., for the inaugural field makeover. “I picked my hometown, a park that’s a short walk away from where my grandmother lives and a place that I grew up walking to as a kid,” Adams told NBCUniversal Local, highlighting the emotional connection to fostering a better environment for the next generation. Adams passionately advocates for natural turf, emphasizing its myriad advantages over artificial surfaces. He points to reduced injury risk, particularly for developing bodies and joints, and the intrinsic benefits of playing outdoors, from the nostalgic scent of fresh-cut grass to the crucial cooling effect on hot days.

While addressing the grassroots, Adams also remains intensely focused on the USMNT’s trajectory towards the 2026 World Cup. The team recently concluded a Gold Cup campaign with a 2-1 final loss to Mexico, a result Adams views with a positive lens despite missing out on a major trophy. He praised the relatively inexperienced squad for embracing the challenge and performing admirably amidst "so much outside noise and so many what ifs." For Adams, the tournament underscored the collective strength of the team, where every player "made their mark" and demonstrated their readiness to represent the national team at the highest level. This collective buy-in, he believes, is the true measure of individual excellence.