Germany flies in groundskeeper to maintain World Cup training pitch amid heat

Germany has flown in veteran groundskeeper Sebastian Breuning to ensure their World Cup training pitch at Wake Forest University remains in optimal condition amid soaring temperatures. The move was reported by German newspaper Bild.

Breuning, who has served as the German soccer association's (DFB) groundskeeping coordinator since 2022, was observed tending to the heavily watered pitch alongside local staff. This comes after Tuesday's training session, which took place under hot and humid weather conditions.

FIFA has implemented three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 World Cup matches, which begin Thursday in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This decision follows concerns over high temperatures affecting play, as seen in last year's Club World Cup.

Germany's national team director, Rudi Voeller, acknowledged the challenges posed by the heat. "Yes, it needs water. That’s the problem with these temperatures, for drinking and also on the pitch. And that’s being taken care of," Voeller told Bild. He praised the extensive efforts being made to manage the conditions, noting, "The people here are going to incredible lengths. It’s great to see how much help is being given... of course, the pitch can be harder and drier. But the conditions are quite good. We’ve got nothing to complain about."

Germany is set to begin their campaign in Group E with a match against Curacao on Sunday.

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Yes, it needs water. That’s the problem with these temperatures, for drinking and also on the pitch. And that’s being taken care of. The people here are going to incredible lengths. It’s great to see how much help is being given... of course, the pitch can be harder and drier. But the conditions are quite good. We’ve got nothing to complain about.