Toulouse Football Club has had to replace the Stadium pitch in emergency before its first Ligue 1 match against Olympique Lyonnais this Saturday, August 22, 2026. The summer heatwave and drought severely damaged the field, forcing a quick intervention. Last season, TFC finished 10th in Ligue 1 with 37 points (10 wins, 7 draws, 13 losses), scoring 41 goals and conceding 42, 26 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Why such an urgent change?
The Stadium pitch, already criticized by players and fans, was severely tested by the extreme temperatures of summer 2026. Toulouse Métropole, the stadium's owner, had initially planned to replace it in 2027, but the accelerated degradation required immediate action. Summer diseases and drought weakened the grass, as in other Ligue 1 stadiums, including those of Lyon, Marseille and Lille.
How was the operation carried out?
The process was carried out in three stages: the removal of the old pitch on August 16, the delivery of a new hybrid surface from Madrid, and its installation on August 17. The 'lay and play' technology allowed for quick fixing, ensuring playability for the match against Lyon. TFC hopes to avoid the problems encountered during its last friendly match against Hamburg, where the pitch was in poor condition.
What are the consequences for the start of the season?
TFC is starting this new season with strengthened ambitions, despite a difficult summer for the pitch. The club, which finished the 2025-2026 season in 10th place, is counting on a better pitch to improve its performances. The match against Lyon, scheduled for August 22, will be a crucial first test to assess the condition of the new pitch.
