As part of the official Canada, Mexico and United States joint bid to host the 2026 World Cup, Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High was initially listed as one of 23 possible venues, from which 16 were ultimately chosen. Colorado’s capital was one of seven cities that missed out, which did not come as a huge surprise given that the late Grant Wahl reported in May 2022 that FIFA officials believed Denver’s host committee was “underwhelming.” Kansas City was instead selected as a Midwestern venue.

But just because Denver was snubbed does not mean Colorado will not have a part to play when the World Cup gets underway on June 11. A little piece of the Centennial State has crossed state lines and been planted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, AT&T Stadium in Dallas and NRG Stadium in Houston, all of which will host games during the tournament.

Why Colorado grass was chosen for the World Cup

Those are the three American stadiums that will feature full air conditioning and enclosed retractable roofs to combat the intense summer heat. Because of the cooler temperatures inside, grass grown in a cooler climate, in this case Colorado’s, has been selected by FIFA to form the playing surfaces at each venue.

In an interview with CNN, Joe Wilkins III, owner of Green Valley Turf, explained why his company was chosen to provide the grass instead of suppliers located closer to Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.

“It seems a little strange that the grass is coming all the way from Colorado, but those buildings will be climate-controlled at 70 degrees throughout the whole tournament, so they needed a cool-season grass which thrives in our environment that’s near impossible to grow closer to where the venues are.”

The 2026 World Cup might not be coming to Colorado, but Colorado will be going to the 2026 World Cup.

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